The mid-century Brake House in Titirangi sells over $ 4 million

Brake’s iconic Titirangi house, owned by Prime News presenter Eric Young and his wife Michelle, was sold at tender.

Ole Wall of Wall Estates says the stunning mid-century modern home, designed by architect Ron Sung for Magnum photographer Brian Brick in the 1970s, fetched a price “in excess of $ 4 million”.

“We had a few bids,” says Wall. It was sold to a family we’ve been working with since the start of the process. It was a bit funky, but we actually introduced them to the owners because they had a lot in common. They really enjoyed each other’s stories and the company, and Eric and Michael are really happy [with the result]. “

WALL still says it is one of the most amazing homes he has ever visited: “I feel lively once I’m there. I’ve been very fortunate to meet the most amazing people throughout the process – the people who are drawn into the house are naturally very interesting. We have a lot of architects and people. Other successful and creative people. “

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The house has a Category 1 Historic Places listing. When it was listed, Eric Young told Stuff: “We have a saying, ‘You don’t have a bad day when you come home to Brake House. You leave all of your troubles at the top of the drive. It’s curative in style. Unbelievable – a Zen house in the rainforest with a view. There are many ways to enjoy it. “

Sang himself said, “Without a doubt, it is one of the best homes I’ve ever had. This opened many doors for me.”

But Young thinks the house is much more than that: “This is his greatest – an expression of his art.”

Michael Young, attorney and gallery owner, said that living in a place is a work of art in itself that has a direct impact on everyday life. “I strongly believe that art and the warmth and beauty of handicrafts can elevate your experience in life. We are surrounded by beauty and nature, which is very inspiring.

During his seven years at home, Young modernized the kitchen, after consulting with Sang and Nat Cheshire of Cheshire Architects. “With everything we do, the first contact is with Ron to ask for permission and advice,” said Eric. “Ron’s fingers, as well as his heart, are all over this house.”

The couple said the current kitchen was getting tiring and that there was a chance to return this part of the house to something more suited to the home’s mid-century style.

The house consists of a series of glass suites connected in two distinct parts – one for sleeping and the other for leisure. Most of them are only one room wide in width, ensuring increased light and views.

The house retains the original studio and dark room designed with brakes. “He was using three rooms downstairs,” said Michelle. “And they all have light boxes in custom lockers.”

Brian Brick became a photographer for Magnum in 1955. Special projects of interest to him include his 1955 photos of Pablo Picasso in Bullfighting, China’s 1959 coverage (where he was allowed an extraordinary level of access), and his photo Monsoon A series of photographs taken in India during the 1960’s. These photos have been published internationally in magazines including Life, Queen and Paris Match. Obtained OBE for Photography Services in 1981.

The house is still used for fashion photography, design and music videos.

Youngs said the only reason they had put the house on the market is because now they have a baby, and the house is not safe for young children.

Eric Young said, “It’s not an exhilarating feeling to have to leave, but then we look at two thousand, and everything changes.” Things.