Parnell

This historic corner of Auckland boasts a wealth of impressive characteristics, as CHARLOTTE COSSAR reports.

Although Parnell didn't need to embellish its reputation as having the most popular boutique shopping strip in New Zealand, the recent visit of Bill Clinton has cemented this urban legend further.

Gracing the strip are most of the leading fashion houses, art galleries and some of Auckland's best restaurants and trendy cafes. It's a great place to while away an afternoon or even a day if you partake in some of the scrumptious goodies on offer. However, your purchases could make a sizeable dent in your wallet.

Rich in history, Parnell is a suburb that attracts all kinds of residents. Its handy location is a huge selling point. Being only a few minutes' drive from the city and Newmarket, on fine days it's a pleasant walk, which makes it popular with professionals and retirees, as well as students.

Many families have lived their entire lives in the area, with generation after generation raising their families there as well.

It boasts some of Auckland's grand old ladies, including Historic Places Trust houses, and it's brimming with villas and bungalows. Built on a slope, many houses stepping down the hillside enjoy spectacular sea views of Rangitoto to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Families with secondary school-age children flock to the area because it is in zone for Auckland Boys Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar, and is close to many private schools. Bordered by the Auckland Domain, Judges Bay and the Rose Gardens, these residents are never short of green space in which to pursue recreational activities.

And these don't stop at a casual stroll. There are three tennis clubs, including the ASB Bank Tennis Centre, and a public swimming pool. The good news is that Parnell Baths is going to get its revamp, so another slice of the area's history will be retained.

The village atmosphere of Parnell is sophisticated and quaint and modern trends have barely affected the architecture. However, modern architecture has made a subtle mark in Parnell with sleek townhouses tucked behind older houses. These townhouses generally sell for $600,000 plus, with some older bungalows and villas passing the million-dollar mark.

This light and airy suburb is also home to many units and apartments, which are in high demand. These, depending whether they are freehold or leasehold, can start from $200,000.

Although there is a railway line running along one border, this hasn't stopped the development of this area with many apartments being high enough to barely notice this slight intrusion.

Proudly sitting at the top of the hill overlooking the parish is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which is used by many of Auckland's residents, especially during the festive season and at Easter.

Although many of the sections are small and your neighbours houses are a stone's throw away, Parnell oozes atmosphere and this has never changed. A relatively settled suburb, it does, however, have the odd student passing through its borders during their stint at the University of Auckland or AUT, which are just across the valley.