Parnell Living the classical dream
A library and a garden are just part of the appeal for this creative couple, writes Robyn Welsh
For Bill and Mary Francis, a life surrounded by books, gardens, sunshine and a great community is a life supremely well lived.
Just like Roman philosopher Cicero said: “If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need.”
As Bill sees it, “Add the sunshine and the pool and you really do have it all.”
Bill and Mary have a three-storey townhouse in a complex of 17 in Parnell. “It is both unique in this complex and to Parnell,” says Fleur Denning, of Bayleys.
For former broadcaster Bill, this home’s beating heart is his library and the view from his desk to the garden. He’s written 12 books.
Bookshelves have been a priority in every home they’ve owned. “I know exactly how many metres of shelving need to be built,” says Mary “This is a living library. Bill needs his books.”
With its cavity sliding doors and easy access to the guest bathroom, this library/third bedroom is indicative of the adaptability of the house. “We saw the potential for making it ours,” says Bill.
In the mid-level lounge, they replaced simple shelves with built-in bookshelves and cupboards.
They installed a new kitchen with an engineered stone/Sydney blue gum island bench and Mary’s favourite “museum-look” tiled splashback.
North-west views from the lounge include the Parnell Tennis Club and a glimpse of the museum that comes into full view in the upstairs master bedroom, with the Sky Tower behind it.
North and south-facing balconies on each level enhance the outdoor connection and important ventilation during summer.
In their north-facing bedroom, the balcony is flanked with built-in lacquered furniture that complements the built-in wardrobes.
In the second south side bedroom, there are two wardrobes and an airing cupboard behind three sets of doors.
Shutters and blinds complement their contemporary furnishings, neutral carpet and tiles and kwila timber stairs, with art as their backdrop.
Mary is keenly creative. “I fiddle with colour,” she says. The house is lined with art and pieces they’ve collected.
Mary’s art studio is at their larger home in Mangawhai, where they want to spend more time.
There is much they’ll miss here, from their private site to the “Francis wicket” at the Auckland domain where Bill takes his two grandsons.