Plenty of Victorian charm
Parnell house built in the 1890s is part of a landmark row of dwellings, writes Louise Richardson
When Tara Nathan eats breakfast outside in summer she can take her pick from three fabulous spots. The big table in her charming, private walled courtyard at the rear of the house is one attractive possibility, but then there’s the balcony outside the dining room, which overlooks the English country garden — and beyond, to the buzz and bustle of Auckland’s port, with Rangitoto in the background. And, if that doesn’t appeal, there’s also a lower veranda, and a terraced patio ( with spa) in the garden itself, reached via the master bedroom.
The 234sq m historic Parnell house, built in the 1890s, is part of a landmark row of dwellings which at the time of their construction were set just back from the sea, from which a significant amount of land has since been reclaimed and put to use.
Down a quiet, private road, behind a traditional Victorian front door, your first glimpse of the interior is a hallway with high ceilings. It’s full of light thanks to a skylight and innovative interior windows, which can be found throughout the property.
This is the main living floor with a spacious kitchen, carefully designed to preserve the character and historical integrity of the house. This is something taken seriously by all its owners since the 1970s — when it was briefly run- down and neglected, but then lovingly restored.
“I’ve been here for two years and I’ve refurbished the kitchen and added in a marble table, which has become one of my favourite places to sit,” Tara says.
She has also developed an area near the back door, putting in a scullery bursting with cupboard space plus a neatly concealed laundry and powder room.
Beyond this are the living and dining rooms, both large, bright and airy with classic, understated colour schemes and extensive views. Much of the original timber has been painted white, which enhances the airy atmosphere, but the kauri floorboards provide a tangible link to yesteryear.
Also on this level is a second living room, currently used as a study, but Tara believes that some previous owners may have had it as their informal dining room.
The bedrooms are downstairs and beautifully positioned for sun and garden views.
The master boasts a whole wall of cupboards which means that everything is kept neatly out of sight, and beside it are the two bathrooms, both renovated carefully in keeping with the age of the house, using striking black and white tiles. Both have toilets and vanities while one has a bath and the other a shower.
Two further bedrooms complete the picture and under the stairs is a large storage space that’s perfect for suitcases, boxes, sports gear and even wine.
While Tara lives alone, with her beloved dog
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Bella, she frequently has friends and family to stay and says the house works well in that regard.
She enjoys being close to her accounting job in the city and on weekend mornings she often wanders over to La Cigale, the local French market.
Shops, restaurants and cafes are just at the end of the street and when it comes to walking Bella the choices are many, with the Parnell Rose Gardens in one direction and the Auckland Domain in another.
Dilworth Terrace itself is a mini village, as all eight homeowners know each other and keep in touch. “There’s a yearly progressive dinner where we all move between the houses and it’s really fun,” she says.
Lately she’s been feeling the house is a little too big so she’s planning a change.
“Whoever buys it will definitely love it. It’s very special.”