“As soon as we first set eyes on this property, we knew that it would be perfect for our Brady Bunch blended family,” says Catherine Chandler.
That was in 2021, and she and her husband were hunting for a home with enough space for themselves as well as for her two children and his four.
“We are very lucky that they all get on very well together.”
The 353sqm, executive, three-level home certainly offered all the space required – and then some, with five bedrooms and four bathrooms (three of which are ensuites) in total.
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Built using a concrete block base, cavity system, the house originally sported concrete plaster cladding which Catherine and her husband replaced with vertical cedar boards, and she says they were very pleased with the finished effect.
“Apart from that, we really haven’t needed to do anything.”
Another major attraction was huge open-plan dining and family living spaces arranged around the modern well-equipped kitchen on the mid-level where a separate lounge provides a welcome sanctuary for grown-ups.
Adjacent is the first bedroom, with a generous walk-in wardrobe in addition to its own bathroom. The indoor-outdoor flow from this level is excellent and a giant patio has been well-used all year round.
Open-plan dining and family living spaces are arranged around the modern well-equipped kitchen on the mid-level. Photo / Supplied
The three levels are accessed by a light-filled, glass-balustrade staircase positioned in the middle of the 353sqm home. Photo / Supplied
The four further bedrooms upstairs include the luxurious master suite which enjoys a private balcony, while another cosy sitting room completes the picture.
Catherine says that having Auckland Domain right on the doorstep has been a huge advantage and with Parnell Train Station just five minutes’ walk away, the home has understandably been a central gathering place to which the six children’s friends all tend to gravitate.
“And because it’s such a great house for entertaining we’ve had a number of memorable 16th, 18th and 21st birthday parties here as well as pre-ball functions.”
She and her husband have enjoyed being able to wander casually down to Parnell for a choice of top cafes and restaurants, while the CBD is easily reached on foot, as is Newmarket and its flag ship 277 shopping mall.
Another notable aspect is the strong community spirit they’ve found within the immediate surrounding neighbourhood.
The indoor-outdoor flow from the middle level is excellent and a giant patio has been well-used all year round. Photo / Supplied
A separate lounge provides a welcome sanctuary for grown-ups. Photo / Supplied
“There are no fences in our little enclave, and everybody keeps an eye out for each other. It’s nice to be able to invite them in for drinks or even borrow a car park for the cleaner. You don’t quite expect this level of friendliness so close to the city.”
The property is zoned double-grammar but most of the couple’s children are past that stage now and setting off to further education and travel so it’s time for their parents to spend more time at their farm.
Ray Chan, of Ray White, says that as well as sitting in such a prime, very central location, this handsome and meticulously maintained lock-up-and-leave property also has the bonus of city views from the master suite – plus parking for up to six vehicles.
“It offers very good value indeed.” The property has a 2024 RV of $3.1 million.
- 35 Gibraltar Crescent in Parnell, Auckland, is for sale by auction, August 30
