What started out as a quest to save Auckland’s St David’s Memorial Church has also eventuated in the construction of these seriously impressive, three-bedroom Grafton townhouses.
The development was brought to life by the biggest names in New Zealand construction – a powerhouse collaboration between Mansons TCLM and CMP Construction – who are both more well-known for their skyscrapers and large commercial buildings than townhouse developments.
The three-storey homes have been designed and built to an exemplary standard, comprising three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an oversized garage and carport.
The story began in 2014, says Sir Ted Manson, philanthropist and managing director of Mansons TCLM.
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“I heard that the Presbyterian church was going to demolish the 1927 brick church that was built to commemorate the men and women who lost their lives in WWI,” he says.
“I couldn’t let that happen, so Paul Baragwanath and myself straight away set up meetings with the church minister and the battle started. We fought them and around 2019, managed to get a heritage order on the church and finally stopped them.”
He explains that the Presbyterian church owned the two other sites next to and behind the church, which were all marketed together. “I tried to just buy the church site but after discussions with the agent, it was all three or nothing.”
For Manson, saving the church was incredibly important.
Ray White agent Alex Kramarenko says: “That kitchen belongs in an architectural magazine.” Photo / Supplied
The ground floor offers a generous internal garage, carport and formal entrance hallway. Photo / Supplied
“It’s a beautiful piece of architecture and there was nothing like it I’d ever seen around New Zealand. I had seen many old churches in places like Italy, which to me are outstanding, so to see one in New Zealand was next level.”
He describes the church’s sloping floors, old wooden pews, organ, beautiful leadlight windows, beautiful old panelled timber and amazing steeple. “It’s just a beautiful thing. I had to save it.”
Since its rescue, Manson says the church is slowly being restored as the Friends of David charitable organisation raises money and is now safe enough to be used. It’s operating as a proper church and used for weddings, funerals and also as a music centre.
His vision for the neighbouring Madeira Place site was to build a collection of townhouses that were sympathetic to the church’s grand presence. “We designed them in red brick to mimic the church. They are built to a very high standard and I believe they sit very comfortably.”
The CMP collaboration streamlined the process.
“I have worked a lot over the years with Ron McRae, who owns CMP. His construction team worked on the design and built the development. This way we shared the load, which made developing the site a lot easier for me.
Mansons TCLM managing director Sir Ted Manson’s fight to save St David’s Memorial Church, pictured in the background, led to him buying the church and two lots - and building the townhouses. Photo / Supplied
“Everything we built is high quality and the best for long lasting sustainability. There are no body corporate fees and no maintenance with gardens or land. It’s the perfect lock-up-and-leave.
“It’s also perfect for any owner wanting to be close to the universities, Auckland hospital, the CBD, the Domain, Newmarket and in the double grammar zone. Buses, trains and the motorway are right next door.”
Of the seven freehold homes, two have already been sold, so just five remain for sale and each comes with a 10-Year Master Build Warranty.
The ground floor offers the very generous internal garage, while the next floor up incorporates the three bedrooms, including a master complete with its own ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.
Upstairs has been designed for easy living and entertaining. It features a large, open living space and chef’s kitchen. Extra high ceilings enhance the sense of volume, while an enclosed winter garden extends the living area. Central air conditioning throughout and a quality security system further elevate the lifestyle.
Sir Ted says: “Everything we built is high quality and the best for long lasting sustainability. It’s the perfect lock-up-and-leave.” Photo / Supplied
The top floor is designed for easy living and entertaining with a large, open living space, chef’s kitchen and balcony. Photo / Supplied
Ray White agent Alex Kramarenko says that projects delivered by developers of this calibre and stature are rarely offered and that their reputation precedes them here.
“In a market flooded with poorly designed and low-quality townhouses, these provide absolute peace of mind for the purchasers. It’s always such a pleasure to work with the Mansons. I’ve done a few projects with them in the past that were charity-based/non-profit and the quality of construction is always outstanding.”
He goes on to say the townhouses are very cool and high tech. “And that kitchen belongs in an architectural magazine.”
The well-connected location is another huge drawcard and Kramarenko says he believes Grafton is underrated, compared to Ponsonby and Newmarket.
“You’re 10 minutes’ walk from the CBD, five minutes’ walk from the hospital and the Mount Eden Train Station is just down Nugent Street. One of the homes just sold unconditionally to one of the doctors at the hospital.”
- Sponsored by Ray White
