CONTACT:
Lesley McLellan, Ray White, 027 453 5070, 520 9100.
Penny Caro has been one of Auckland's elegant fashion identities for more than four decades and established the legendary store The Cupboard on Parnell Rd, so it's no surprise to find the townhouse she's shared with husband Don Harrow for the past 10 years is a tribute to chic design.
"We came from a big home in Remuera," she says. "We were just the second owners of this property and we especially liked the fact that it's at the quiet end of a no-exit street."
Don and Penny didn't need to do much to the house as it was still relatively new but they moved some walls to achieve a stylish entrance lobby and changed paint colours throughout. They replaced curtains with shutters, which can be opened to let a pleasant breeze drift through.
With a total floor area of 126sq m, good use of space is essential and the house does indeed work well.
The kitchen, dining and living areas are sunny and surprisingly spacious, yet intimate too, and the couple enjoy spending time on their balcony.
The views across the tiled roofs and red brick of the historic Dilworth Terrace homes have an almost English feel about them and the communal gardens in the townhouse complex are always well looked after.
"Everything works well and we never have any problems," Don says.
The bathrooms are both very modern and neat and a bookcase, cleverly mounted above the stairwell, keeps Don fit climbing the ladder to reach it.
"I have to admit that's hard to get up sometimes," says Penny, who sold her shop a number of years ago but still works as a part-time assistant.
Image 1 of 9: Townhouse with a magnificent view in vibrant neighbourhood a tribute to modern design. Photos / Fiona Goodall, Getty Images
The view from the master bedroom is especially lovely.
While there's an internally accessed double garage, the couple walk a lot and there are public transport options nearby.
Parnell went through a quiet stage but now it's very vibrant and buzzing again, they say.
An increasing move towards apartment living -- including the Ford Lofts project designed by Nat Cheshire -- means greater numbers of people are moving into the neighbourhood, so new bars, cafes and restaurants are popping up all the time, as well upmarket design stores, where Penny enjoys browsing.
Don and Penny are both fans of the 46&York bar and like to wander down there for an early-evening glass of wine.
"It's a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by," says Penny.
With the ferry terminal nearby, it takes no time at all to get on to a ferry and over to Waiheke, and Vector Arena, the new Britomart development, Auckland University and Auckland City Hospital are all within easy reach.
The house has been well maintained, has underfloor heating throughout, and is fully insulated.
"We have very little need for any other heating," Don says.
The classic overall decor complements Don and Penny's eclectic mix of possessions perfectly and they've been very happy here, but now it's time for them to move on and embrace the next chapter of their lives.
"We can highly recommend everything about this property," says Penny, "and we'll miss our very pleasant neighbours."
