Angela Harper may have owned her character-filled loft apartment for the last 15 years, but she feels more like a custodian of the heritage home, which was built in Parnell in 1863. She feels extremely fortunate to have become part of its longstanding history.
Her charming home, one of six apartments in a converted stonemason’s cottage, one of Auckland’s oldest colonial houses, is being auctioned on March 11 by Bayleys agent Chris Reeves.
Heritage-listed and deemed as being “of considerable significance to a locality”, the Stonemason’s Cottage was built by renowned stonemason Benjamin Strange, who was also responsible for the Melanesian Mission in Mission Bay. He paid £100 for two adjoining sections and took out a £250 mortgage to build two semi-detached houses.
The building was owned by one family, the Fowlers, for six decades and then in 1973 bought by brother and sister Patrick and Frances Wilson. Together they restored it and created 12 boutique shops, within its walls, along with a coffee shop in the attic. At one stage radio station 1ZM had its office in the building.
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In 1984 the Stonemason’s Cottage was sold and began a new lease of life as a restaurant, Rick’s Blue Falcon. Angela’s apartment was the waiting lounge for the popular eatery, which was owned by well known muso Rick Roff. Roff started his career at the Surfside ballroom in the 1960s after leaving America for New Zealand before launching Ricks Café Americain and Ricks Blue Falcon.
Angela says, “It’s incredible to think about the history of this place, and to live somewhere that is so unique. Every day I think about how special it is.”
Owner Angela Harper says that her lounge in the historic Stonemason's cottage was once the waiting area for popular 1980s restaurant Rick's Blue Falcon. Photo / Getty
It underwent another transformation in 2000, when it was converted into apartments.
Angela bought 3B in 2005, after returning from her OE to the UK. “I walked in and had an, ‘Oh wow!’ moment,” she recalls. “I fell in love with it straight away when I saw it on a Monday after work and by Tuesday lunchtime I’d bought it.”
The sensitive conversion of the heritage-listed house into apartments in 2000 preserved many original features. Photo / Getty
She was won over by the well-preserved period features, like the kauri and rimu beams in the sloping ceiling, round-headed sash windows and the exposed brick and basalt walls.
“The basalt was brought across from Rangitoto in the 1860s — it’s a lovely feature,” says Angela.
Skylights have been carefully slotted into the ceiling to allow lots of natural light into the apartment. It’s compact but carefully designed to make the most of the space. Stairs from the front door lead up to living room, and beyond that is a kitchen/dining space off which the bedroom and bathroom are located. The bedroom has original built-in wardrobes and drawers, while the bathroom features arched windows with window boxes outside that have been perfect for growing lettuce and herbs.
Apartments in this boutique apartment community are rarely on the market, says Bayleys real estate agent Chris Reeves. Photo / Getty
The renovation had been so well done that all Angela has done to the apartment is install custom blinds. The body corporate takes care of all outside maintenance, making sure the property is kept in meticulous condition.
“We’ve all been really careful with the way we do maintenance as it is heritage listed,” she points out.
That listing means the Stonemason’s Cottage is eligible for heritage funding, and several years ago the owners were given a grant to paint the exterior. “It’s good to know that you have that option of being able to apply for grants,” Angela says.
Being one road back from Parnell Rd means there’s an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants just about on the doorstep, yet the apartment is surprising quiet and peaceful, says Angela.
It’s just a short walk to the train station as well as bus stops on Parnell Rd, and also handy for the Domain, Newmarket and the city.
“My favourite thing to do is ride my bike down to the waterfront and around to the beaches, or else I like going to Parnell Baths to swim,” says Angela. “Living here gives you a certain lifestyle, which I have really enjoyed. There is so much close by, but then I come in here and it is my little hideaway.”
Agent Chris Reeves of Bayleys says places like this are like gold dust. “Apartments in the Stonemason’s Cottage are really tightly held and prized by the owners, so this is a great opportunity for someone to be able to live in this very unique and special place.”
Check out the listing below:
