“It was like a 1970s time capsule,” says owner Judy as she remembers the first time that she and husband Grant saw their Parnell property, five years ago.
“There were arches, mosaic tiles and a bar downstairs. The people who were moving out were in their 90s, and they’d never changed anything.”
The concrete block townhouse, which sits on the corner of St Stephens Avenue and Bridgewater Road, stands out from the surrounding traditional villas and Judy says that updating it meant entering into substantial dialogue with council because it lies in a character zone.
“But we got there, with a few compromises, and it was well worth it.”
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The rebuilding took place in stages around the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, and Judy says the result is practically a new-build with only the original blocks remaining.
“Everything else is brand new including the roof and we’ve replumbed and rewired as well as putting in a new kitchen and bathrooms, replacing the driveway and doing extensive landscaping work.”
She explains that 112 St Stephens Avenue was only supposed to be an interim abode for herself, Grant, and their university-age children, while a new family home was under construction.
However, after its renovation was complete, they liked it so much they decided to stay, and the new home was sold.
The rebuilding took place in stages around the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, resulting in practically a new-build with only the original blocks remaining.
Ray White agent Steen Nielsen, who marketed the property in 2020, says he did a double take when he saw how much was achieved in the time since then.
“We really loved having our master suite on the top floor, then there’s another bedroom with ensuite on the mid-level, plus one on the ground, or two if you count the space Grant uses as his office, where there’s also a bathroom, so this means plenty of space – and good separation.”
The new kitchen is an elegant state-of-the-art masterpiece and is surrounded by ample living and dining space.
Judy says that the property’s position is perfect for easy access to the CBD and university.
“We spend a lot of time at our Waiheke home these days and it’s a quick Uber ride from Parnell to the ferry terminal, which makes things easy. When we’re here, Grant likes to swim each day at Parnell Baths, which is just down the road.”
There is a single garage under the house plus plenty of off-street parking.
The new kitchen is an elegant state-of-the-art masterpiece and is surrounded by ample living and dining space.
112 St Stephens Avenue, in Parnell, has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a single garage contained in a cleverly-designed 194sqm floor plan on a 371sqm compact section.
Steen Nielsen, of Ray White Remuera, who marketed the property in 2020, is thrilled to be offering it again, and says that when he saw what Judy and Grant have achieved in the time since then he did a double take.
“It’s absolutely stunning – I couldn’t quite believe it.”
112 St Stephens Avenue is zoned for Parnell Primary, as well as Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar schools, and all the cafes, restaurants, boutiques and galleries that make Parnell such a great place to live are right on the doorstep.
Steen says that it’s a very versatile property and would be equally suitable for a young family, one with tertiary-stage children, or even a downsizing couple who aren’t quite ready for apartment living and still want a garden.
- 112 St Stephens Avenue in Parnell, Auckland, is for sale by auction on March 25
