Having purchased their classic home in one of Parnell’s most popular streets in 2019, Charlie and Hayley Urry were happy to sit tight when the pandemic hit, taking their time to really get to know the house – and particularly, what worked, or what could be improved upon.
“We had a six-month-old when we arrived – then another baby came along, so the way it accommodated family life was important – especially the flow between the house and garden,” says Hayley.
She and Charlie tried hard to find out about the property’s history, and they believe it may originally have been a two-bedroom worker’s cottage built in the late 1800s, before being upgraded to a villa during Edwardian times.
When the moment was right, their total rebuild finally began, bringing a stylish plan by Jose Gutierrez to life for a 21st century family.
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Well-known for his creative reimagining of historic dwellings, Jose worked closely with the couple while they navigated the lengthy list of heritage requirements.
As a builder, Charlie was able to assemble a top-notch team of tradespeople and other experts to assist in the process, using only the best quality materials.
Making clever use of space on a compact 285sqm site was key to the project’s success and this saw the couple adding a second storey for the primary bedroom, with extensive wardrobe space, an ensuite and office nook.
Meanwhile, two further bedrooms, a family bathroom, separate laundry and large open-plan living, dining and kitchen zone lie downstairs, opening to a cute, well-established, easy-care garden and decking for play and alfresco entertaining – or for simply relaxing.
The owners worked closely with Jose Gutierrez to navigate the lengthy list of heritage requirements. Photo / Supplied
There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
“And we didn’t want to over-modernise the home and lose any of its character,” says Hayley.
She was assisted by her mother in making colour, lighting and furnishing choices for the interior – all based on the calming shades and textures of nature.
“My mother works in the design industry and she’s naturally a bit bolder than I am, but I think we did well between us.”
The Cleaves say that the finished home is an absolute credit to everybody involved – and one they’re very proud to be marketing.
They point out that this is essentially a brand-new apartment-style dwelling, with all the comforts of modern life such as double glazing, oak flooring, timber shutters, high-end appliances and luxury bathrooms – set behind a handsome historic facade, with the bonus of off-street parking for two vehicles.
One of the homeowners worked closely with her mum, who works in the design industry, in making colour, lighting and furnishing choices for the interior. Photo / Supplied
The listing agents say 78 Brighton Road, in Parnell, is essentially a brand-new apartment-style dwelling with all the comforts of modern life. Photo / Supplied
Charlie and Hayley are seeking more space and a new challenge, but she says that they have loved the area with its excellent schools and easy access to Newmarket and the CBD.
“Brighton Road cafe is fantastic, and we can walk to the domain and the rose gardens with the children.”
While the property is certainly lovely for a young family it would also suit executive couples or empty-nest downsizers from Parnell and Remuera, who are looking for an attractive, modern, lock-up-and-leave, turnkey property.
78 Brighton Road in Parnell, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction, to be held on April 1.
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