132a St Stephens Avenue, Parnell. Photo / Fiona Goodall
132a St Stephens Avenue, Parnell. Photo / Fiona Goodall
When Richard and Sally-Anne Holden were house-hunting in Auckland four or so years ago, they knew they needed space for themselves and their beloved dogs.
The garden apartment they found on the ground floor of a high-quality, boutique complex — with just four units — close to the Waitematā Harbour was perfect.
The site was originally home to the White Heron hotel and restaurant, built by Sir Robert Kerridge in the mid-1960s, and demolished in 2002.
"This place just suited us in so many ways," says Sally-Anne. "For a start, the outdoor living is fantastic with a huge, long deck for relaxing and entertaining and it's all very private."
She and Richard share a pool with the three other owners in the complex and it never gets crowded.
The extensive kitchen — designed by Morgan Cronin — dining and living area has high ceilings and windows all around.
Richard and Sally-Anne say it makes the property feel more like a house than an apartment. They love the views and appreciate the fact they can't be built out.
132a St Stephens Avenue, Parnell. Photo / Fiona Goodall
"There's always something happening on the harbour and we often stand and watch cruise liners sailing in and out," says Sally-Anne.
The master bedroom and en suite have doors to the deck. The couple renovated the walk-in wardrobe after moving in and it now has drawers as well as hanging space — and lots of shelves.
132a St Stephens Avenue, Parnell. Photo / Fiona Goodall
There are two more bedrooms, one with a big wardrobe plus en suite, which opens on to a small patio that's bathed in sunlight for most of the day. The main bathroom is fully tiled, elegant and timeless.
Richard has a home office near the apartment entrance and there's a separate laundry with linen cupboards.
When it comes to spending time outside, the front courtyard, reached via the kitchen, is a favourite spot. "It's utterly private and I love the sound of the fountain," says Sally-Anne.
132a St Stephens Avenue, Parnell. Photo / Fiona Goodall
The apartment comes with four carparks, reached via an elevator, several storage lockers, and a security system. And with the complex being so small, the body corporate owners are all friends.
"If we're going away for a few weeks, we let them know and they keep an eye on the place," says Richard.
The previous owner had redecorated, so Richard and Sally-Anne haven't had to do anything major. The decor is pleasant and relaxing.
132a St Stephens Avenue, Parnell. Photo / Fiona Goodall
They say the decision to sell was a difficult one but they've found themselves spending more time outside Auckland and want something a little smaller.
"I could see this being ideal for someone who's involved with the America's Cup," says Sally-Anne. "All they'd need is a little scooter to get them to the Viaduct each day."
