Parnell - Icon on display

A villa with a rare view of the museum has been perfect for a couple who aren't into home maintenance.

25 Birdwood Cres, Parnell.

Four years ago Ed and Robyn Isherwood began looking for a type of home they weren't sure existed.

They liked the character of villas, but didn't want to bother with maintaining the land around them.

They liked the convenience of apartments, but found many too small and sterile.

Then they happened upon 25 Birdwood Crescent, which was a unique combination of the two, with the bonus of a pool and tennis court that someone else looked after.

``I knew I'd know the right place when I saw it, and I instantly loved this place,'' recalls Robyn.

``It has so much character and craftsmanship, but with all the conveniences of modern apartment living. It's close to cafes, the Domain, and I walk to work in the city in 20 minutes.''

This great set-up is the result of previous owners selling the land behind the villa to the developers of some apartments that now lie out of sight below.

In return, the owners of the villa are part of the apartments' body corporate, which maintains the villa and grants its owners access to the complex's pool and tennis court.

``And there are no lawns to mow - it suited us down to the ground,'' grins Ed.

Not only is this arrangement unusual, but the house, built around 1910, is also full of surprises.

As you enter from the street you can step down to your right to a north-facing courtyard shielded from passing traffic by a wall.

But the front door is worth passing through - a dazzling display of stained glass gives entry to a 3m wide foyer and a soaring 3.6m ceiling.

To your left is the master bedroom, with an en suite and a dressing room the size of a single bedroom.

A beautiful bay window, topped with small squares of green glass, matches one in the living area that has a window seat.

The living area is part of the western side of the house that is open through its width, comprising the kitchen, formal dining, casual dining and living areas.

There is a gas fire by the formal dining table, and an open fire in the lounge. Four pillars below a skylight create a striking central feature.

The casual dining area flows out through bifold doors to the courtyard. On the opposite side of this grand space, the formal dining area opens into a sunporch.

Bifold windows reveal an up-close view of the museum, rising above trees that fringe the Domain.

Another spot from which to enjoy this view is the bath, expertly positioned to make the most of the outlook.

A big central room on this level houses an office, but could be another bedroom.

A staircase leads down past views of the museum to the lower floor. Down here is an enormous room that is a bedroom and lounge in one - its matched lining, ceiling rose, gas fire and the French doors leading into it give it a romantic feel.

Ed and Robyn have used it for their many visitors, but it could easily be rented out or accommodate an older child or grandparent.

Also down here is a bathroom, a bedroom that opens onto a lower deck, a room the couple have used as a gym but could be another bedroom, and access to the double garage. This level also has its own external access down the side of the house.

The house has provided everything Ed and Robyn were looking for, but they're off for a lifestyle change. Robyn is retiring from a 30-year career at the ANZ bank, and the couple have bought a bed and breakfast lodge at Matakana.

``Entertaining is what Ed does - I come home from work and there are often people and food everywhere,'' laughs Robyn.

``So we thought we might as well go and entertain as a semi-retirement thing.'' They will miss this house, though. ``I do love it,'' says Robyn. ``It's got a beautiful heart.''

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 3+

GARAGES: 2

SIZE: House 300sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: Vendor paid $926,000 four years ago. Similar sales of villas in Parnell the past year have ranged between $1.1-$1.55 million. Auction September 24.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 3.45-4.30pm, Wed 5.30-6pm.

ON THE WEB: www.kellands.co.nz

CONTACT: Pene Milne, Kellands, ph 021 919 940.

FEATURES: Circa 1910 villa with uninterrupted views of the museum. Large bedroom/living room downstairs that could be rented out or accommodate extended family. Office and gym rooms could be used as bedrooms. No land to maintain and access to pool and tennis court granted through inclusion in body corporate of apartment block below.