One of the current owners of this renovated Parnell character home, with views and future potential, devised an endearing surprise Christmas present to give to his wife around 12 years ago.
They’d sold a nearby home they and their two sons had outgrown and were fast approaching settlement date. Then, at a family Christmas gathering, he presented her with a Christmas card with a house key inside, signifying that he’d secured their next home.
She says: “I burst into tears of joy before I got around to asking ‘which one?’, which my mum still laughs about.”
An agent had introduced them to this character home, which they loved, about a year prior when it wasn’t yet on the market and they put in an offer which wasn’t accepted.
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“After that, every time I walked past it I felt disappointed because it was the house I really wanted. And then later, without me knowing, my husband and that agent negotiated its purchase.
“He even bought a hardware store key seeing he didn’t have the actual keys yet. I remember my sister-in-law joked, ‘whose husband is going to beat that, right?’.”
At 242sqm the substantial home, which had just been exquisitely renovated, was twice the size of their previous home. There’s still opportunity for new owners to unleash future potential should they wish.
The couple had McCoy + Heine Architects do concept plans to replace the existing front, oversized double parking pad with an attractive double garage-single carport combo. They did designs for the backyard for a swimming pool, cabana, spa and further terraced decking to create outdoor living zones.
“But then we sat on the plans for a while and were really happy living here the way it is.”
The vendors had McCoy + Heine Architects do concept plans to replace the existing front, oversized double parking pad with an attractive double garage-single carport combo. Photo / Supplied
The expansive and light-filled rear living-dining-kitchen incorporates a stunning marble island with cleverly cantilevered end, around which people can sit facing each other. Photo / Supplied
The double grammar-zoned, early 1900s property’s convenient and prestigious location is a drawcard, as are spectacular city views from the rear. It’s about six minutes’ walk to highly regarded Parnell District School. Abundant amenities nearby include Parnell Baths, local shops, restaurants, cafes and parks including the Domain, plus the waterfront and CBD.
“It’s so central to everything. When there’s a concert on at Spark Arena we walk to it and have walked home while everyone else is still fumbling around trying to get a ride home.”
You can underestimate the scale of the early-1900s character home on approach, given it’s a generous home on a long 597sqm site. Off the wide central hallway are four bedrooms – one sometimes used as an office and one that’s an ensuited guest room – accompanied by the family bathroom. This level has ducted central heating.
The expansive and light-filled rear living-dining-kitchen incorporates a stunning marble island with cleverly cantilevered end, around which people can sit facing each other. Wide bifold doors open this north-west facing expanse to the view, rear deck and private rear grounds (with the option of realising those outdoor concept plans).
Wide bifold doors open this north-west facing expanse to the rear deck and grounds. Photo / Supplied
The city view from the deck. Photo / Supplied
“As the sun rises, light reflects off the CBD buildings beautifully. And the night-time view is just spectacular. It’s a fantastic home for entertaining and we’ve entertained a lot.”
Upstairs is devoted to the ensuited primary suite with walk-in wardrobe, a sitting room incorporating an office area and a balcony big enough for outdoor entertaining, admiring the outlook.
With their elder son at university in Sydney and their younger son now at Kings College so not bound by school zoning, their needs are evolving.
Agent Linda Galbraith says: “Buy this property in today’s market to either love as is or complete the vision, securing your place in this highly coveted location and reaping the rewards for years to come.”
18 Cleveland Road in Parnell, Auckland, is for sale by auction on September 17.
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