Grown up and gracious
Available extras hidden from view include dumb waiter in the garage, writes Donna Fleming
Sometimes it is the functional features of a home that make it truly luxurious. That is the case with this Parnell home. Though you can see at first glance it is striking, spacious and tasteful, the carefully thought-out extras, that are not immediately visible, help to take it to the next level.
Those features include a dumb waiter in the garage, meaning groceries and rubbish don’t have to be hauled up and down stairs. A service area tucked away next to the kitchen houses practical spaces such as a powder room, wine cellar, two storage rooms and a huge laundry that has lots of useful touches such as a pull-out drying rack.
“Having these kinds of things really is a luxury and they make life so much easier,” says the owner. “This house is a delight to live in.”
The storage rooms in particular have enabled the owners to put away clutter and embrace living in a minimalist house.
The couple wanted a contemporary city abode when they decided in 2004 to move from their rambling suburban family home after their children flew the nest.
“We wanted a grown-up home,” the owner says. “Something that was simple and easy-care but spacious.”
When they couldn’t find anything that suited their needs, they decided to build. They found a site in Rota Pl, one of Parnell’s best streets, removed an old cottage and then made what turned out to be a brilliant decision — they commissioned architect Bart Meo.
“Bart was amazing — he did such a wonderful job. We had a really good relationship with him and he was so generous with his time. And 14 years later, it is still as good as new. It is timeless.”
The home is constructed from cedar and bagged brick, with the brick also being used inside for continuity and to provide texture in contrast with smooth materials such asi988 aluminium and tiles. The brick also pays homage to the older homes typically found in Parnell.
One of the owners is an interior designer and worked closely with Bart to create a stylish, modernist look. Crisp white walls and the high stud make the home ideal for displaying an extensive collection of art, and generous use of glazing means this is a light, bright, welcoming place to live.
The downward sloping site played a part in dictating the layout and means the true scale of the house is hidden from the road. A path leads down past the three-car garage and through resort-like subtropical and native planting to the dramatic lobby, a huge space open to the living area below.
On this upper level are two bedrooms, which share a balcony, a fully tiled bathroom and a generous office. The couple were both working from home when the house was built so there are two desks, along with shelving, and it is fully wired.
The master suite, on the other side of the lobby and away from the other bedrooms, is an elegant sanctuary that includes an especially generous en suite, a walk-in wardrobe and a bedroom with a covered balcony.
Downstairs an oversized living area runs just about the whole length of the house. Bifold doors alongside the dining zone open up to a side terrace, while the living space at the far end can also be opened up to the north-west facing terrace.
A second living room next door also opens to the terrace and can be closed off from the main living space with pivoting doors. The owners use this as a media room, projecting sporting events and movies on to the wall above the fireplace. Cleverly concealed cupboards hide all the technology.
The sleek gourmet kitchen features both honed granite and stainless steel bench-tops, plenty of drawers and a steam oven as well as a normal one. There’s ample room for several people to work in there at once.
Though the house has been a peaceful and private haven for the two owners, it also worked well as a family home when their daughter, son-inlaw and small grandchildren stayed with them for several months.
And with so much space indoors and out — plus a
flat lawn surrounded by gardens landscaped by Tony Murrell — it has also been ideal for entertaining.
“It has been a great party house,” the owner says.
The Parnell Baths, Judges Bay and the Parnell Rose Gardens are a short stroll away, and Parnell, Newmarket and the city are within easy reach. But after 14 very happy years the owners are looking to downsize as they now spend a lot of time out of Auckland.