QUICK LOOK
Location was the appeal Myles in developing townhouse at
St in New Plymouth.
Aubrey St parallels Devon St West as it exits the city centre and is only a fiveminute walk to the CBD’s shops and cafes.
‘‘This is the end of town where everything is happening,’’ says Myles, noting the recent redevelopment of the West End Precinct and the proximity of the TSB Showplace and popular bars and restaurants.
This home, and its similar sibling nearing completion next door at 18b, is going to be well placed to take advantage of that proximity when the Covid-19 restrictions ease up to allow the city’s hospitality businesses to fully open again.
There’s also plenty happening along Aubrey St, Myles adds, with older homes being tastefully renovated and new homes being built as larger sections are subdivided.
While the street is looking fresher, he says it still shows the character created during the early years of the city’s growth.
A vibrant feel is evident with all this positive activity. ‘‘Aubrey St now is like Ponsonby was in Auckland,’’ Myles explains. ‘‘It’s been forgotten about for too long, but it’s now a very pleasant place to live.’’
The serene setting here at 18a emphasises that. The new residence is set back from the footpath with a step-down lawn stretching across to the Mangaotuku Stream that runs along the section’s northern boundary. On the other side of the stream, a lush green bank of foliage rises to provide a peaceful, natural outlook for the home.
The grounds have been fully planted by landscaper Nathan Richardson to complement that backdrop. He also built the large, sun-soaked deck across the back of the house and the steps that link it to the lawn.
That deck will expand life in this home, effectively adding another living room in fine weather. You appreciate that on a tour through the house with McDonald Real Estate consultant Pete Baylis. for builder this threebedroom 18a Aubrey
The home is at the end of the short driveway down from the street. Its darkpainted, contemporary lines are attractive in their simplicity and it nestles into the setting without flag-waving, look-at-me drama.
That will likely suit the prospective buyers for this home, suggests Pete. He expects it will appeal to an executive couple, or retirees looking to downsize, who will enjoy the peace and privacy here combined with the drawcard of the city services being so close. It’s also an easy walk from here on to the Coastal Walkway and its seafront experience.
The square of lawn is big enough to allow visiting grandchildren to play their games, and small enough to make maintenance issues minimal.
At 133sqm, this home is modest in its dimensions, but offers an integrated garage, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and generous, open-plan living areas that will comfortably accommodate the needs of many prospective buyers.
The keyless-entry front door, adjacent the garage, opens into a tiled foyer where a tall, almost-floor-to-ceiling window frames the view across the lawn to the stream and its backdrop of green foliage. ‘‘That’s better than any artwork,’’ Pete notes, with a smile.
From the foyer welcome, visitors step into the light-filled living area and admire an even better picture of the green environment framed in the sliding stacker doors that stretch across the sunny end of the room. With the doors opened wide, they can step out on to the expanse of timber deck and relish the alfresco experience out here.
It’s easy to imagine a quiet evening on the deck, savouring a chilled drink or a hot coffee, listening to the subtle sound of the stream waters as they flow past the bottom of the property. There is also a tame eel down there, as Myles found out during the building work.
The east-facing window lets the earlymorning sun into the living areas, and it then warms them through to afternoon. With double glazing and the efficiency of modern insulation levels, that should ensure minimal heating costs through the colder months of the year.
The kitchen is set to the back of the living areas, with a design that also celebrates simplicity. It’s front bench is capped with white engineered stone, while the back wall of cabinets is faced with woodgrain-finished doors that add a warm contrast to the stone benchtop.
It’s a quality kitchen fitout, Pete reveals, touching the double pantry doors to activate the motor that then automatically opens them wide. You have to admit that’s a nice touch in the design. The lower drawers inside the wide interior slide all the way out for convenience.
The master bedroom has the requisite ensuite of shower, vanity and toilet, and complements that with classic and capacious his-and-hers wardrobes rather than the now-conventional walk-in design. Two more double bedrooms complete the sleeping quarters.
Storage is a feature, Pete points out, with three cupboards located along the hallway, where you also find the main bathroom, with full-sized bath. A separate toilet opens adjacent the bathroom.
The internal-access garage is carpeted for comfort and the laundry services are installed to the back of the space. The laundry is a custom-designed bench and sink with extra storage cupboards above.
The convenience of inner-city living here in a private, easy-care environment is going to appeal to a lot of people, Pete Baylis suggests.
He says it is ideal for people seeking to downsize, but wanting more space and privacy than apartment living. It is ready for its first owners to just move in and enjoy all its benefits.