Parnell: Views and barbecues

A Parnell townhouse is perfect for those who entertain at home or like to hit the town, writes Wendy Colville.

22 Windsor St, Parnell

Talk about room with a view: climb to the top level in Jo Renfree and Matt Wilson's Parnell townhouse and there before you is a view that stretches from the Sky Tower across to Rangitoto Island.

As a party room it must have few peers: the bi-fold doors lead to a balcony and barbecue area that overlooks the waterfront. A wrap-around bar on the balcony means you can lean at the edge with a beer in hand - and many an evening has been spent that way, say the owners.

"The beer fridge was one of the first things we bought," says Matt.

"There've been a few parties up here, all right," Jo adds. "The America's Cup campaign was fantastic. We could sit up here and see a lot of the action. It was just such a huge occasion, you could even hear the noise, and you could feel the atmosphere."

"Until we lost," observes Matt.

Fireworks in the Domain are also a drawcard, and when there's nothing else on offer the container terminal provides an ongoing light show.

Jo says when they bought the townhouse they were in their mid-20s and it lent itself perfectly to friends gathering for drinks before heading off to a restaurant in Parnell village, which is just five minutes' walk away.

"Friends would just drop in - there didn't need to be an occasion, and we'd all sit upstairs with a drink watching the sun set, and it could be 10 o'clock before we'd head out for something to eat. Everything's just so close."

In fact, the location was what first appealed to them about the townhouse, hidden down a right-of-way on Windsor St.

"That and the fact that it's low-maintenance. We're fairly lazy," laughs Jo.

They say it is extremely quiet and private, but still makes for an easy commute to work. Jo says she's worked in Mt Albert and on the North Shore and the commute is fast and easy because you're travelling against the traffic. Matt's sales job is in the city, and he finds it a five-minute drive to work.

The townhouse is one of three in a tree-lined enclave. Although it's 11 years old it still appears pristine. A double garage and guest bedroom take up the ground floor. There is also a small courtyard area at the rear of the house. The kitchen, lounge and separate dining room are on the second level. In the lounge, a gas fire with log flame effect heats the entire house and Matt and Jo say they find the house warm all-year-round. A north-facing balcony enables outdoor dining.

The third level has the master bedroom, second bedroom and bathrooms. Then it's one more flight of stairs to the entertainment room - and a barbecue comes with the package.

"We won't be carrying it out," says Matt. The couple say they have loved living here, and after five years they will definitely miss their weekend stroll to Parnell for brunch.

However, now they have nine-month-old Emma the days of dining out late are on hold. Jo and Matt say it's time to find a house with a bigger backyard and room for the swing set and paddling pool.

Vital Statistics

LAND SIZE: One-third share of 683sq m

PRICE GUIDE: Mid- to high-$700,000s

INSPECT: By appointment.

FEATURES: Plastered townhouse on four levels, with entertainment area on top level. Superb views from the top level of the harbour and city.

CONTACT: Susan Jamieson, Barfoot and Thompson, 0274 471 470.