Some homes simply stand out. This 1860s Parnell cottage is one of them – a rare piece of Auckland’s early story, brought into the present with style and modern ease.
From its heritage facade to its sophisticated interiors and private outdoor entertaining, it balances character and comfort in a way that feels effortless.
For owners Chintaka and Jill, the search for this home began during the Covid years, when they left their CBD apartment behind.
“We’d always adored this little kauri cottage even before we owned it. When we rented in Parnell, we always walk past and think it was so cute,” Jill recalls. “When it came up for sale, we couldn’t believe our luck.”
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Behind the white picket fence and leafy hedge, the cottage reveals its charm: original floors and high ceilings, timber-lined walls, sash windows, and a lofty stud that fills the interior with light.
The heritage feel is unmistakable, yet modern design has been woven in seamlessly. A crisp white entertainer’s kitchen with marble island, touch-to-open cabinetry, and French doors connects beautifully to the outdoors.
That courtyard is the heart of the home. With its electric louvred roof, outdoor heating, and brick fireplace, it works year-round – whether it’s friends gathered around the fire or quiet evenings under the stars. Their shichon pup Cedric is equally at home, stretched in the sun or darting across the paving.
The floor plan makes smart use of its 68sqm. The north-facing master bedroom links to a stylish bathroom with underfloor heating, while a second bedroom with a mezzanine level offers flexibility for guests or work. A ply-lined loft adds another layer of versatility.
The heritage feel is unmistakable, yet modern design has been woven in seamlessly. Photo / Supplied
The courtyard with its electric louvred roof, outdoor heating and brick fireplace is the heart of the home. Photo / Supplied
Location completes the picture.
“We can walk everywhere – cafés, galleries, shops, the Domain. Our favourite spot, Winona Forever, is just around the corner,” says Chintaka. The CBD is within walking distance or a short 5-10-minute drive. With two secure car parks, lock-up-and-leave convenience, and double grammar zoning, practicality is built in.
For Chintaka and Jill, living here has felt like holding a piece of Auckland’s history.
The land was a Crown grant to the Grammar School Trust in 1854 to provide income for the Church of England Grammar School. Built in the 1860s by ropemaker and former soldier Samuel Henry Deery, he took out a mortgage for 150 pounds with prominent merchant David Nathan.
The timber was likely milled in Mechanics Bay just down the Parnell Rise. The cottage has sheltered generations of Aucklanders – from policemen, as there used to be a police station down the street and boilermakers later – and today stands as one of Parnell’s earliest dwellings and the only remaining house from the large block owned by the Grammar School Trust from that period.
The crisp white entertainer’s kitchen with marble island and touch-to-open cabinetry. Photo / Supplied
The north-facing master bedroom links to a stylish bathroom with underfloor heating, while a second bedroom with a mezzanine level offers flexibility for guests or work. Photo / Supplied
“This place has stood for more than 160 years. You can feel its history the moment you walk in. It’s so special, and we hope the next owners will love it as much as we have,” Jill reflects.
Ray White agent Tatyana Ataman says: “This is one of those homes that captures people instantly. It’s not just the history, it’s the way the character and modern touches come together to create something truly unique. Buyers who value both style and substance will instantly see how rare and special this property is.”
1 Heather Street in Parnell, Auckland, is on the market for sale by way of auction to be held on October 29.
- Sponsored by Ray White
