A flowing waterfall surrounded by thick New Zealand flora isn’t your typical garden feature found in a central Auckland home.
Protected by bushy scrubs and elongated trees, a Parnell property feels a world away from the city’s concrete skyline and congested traffic.
24B Ayr Street, in Parnell, is three and a half stories high, 242 square metres in size with rooms and living spaces spread across six levels.
Each of the three bedrooms is on its own level and are all equipped with ensuites. Two have private decks looking out to gorgeous greenery and bird life.
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Current owner Peter Bircham says the bedrooms are massive and miles apart, making this home the perfect peace keeper among inhabitants of different ages.
“You can blast the music in one bedroom and not notice in another bedroom,” Mr Bircham says.
And if two decks weren’t enough, an additional three also envelope the house, providing plenty of entertainment space on a warm day.
Sky-high, broad windows are featured throughout the entire house and create the illusion of living in the treetops.
“You feel as though you’re in the clouds,” Mr Bircham says.
“The big, open windows look out to the bush and sun filters throughout the house.”
Intricate design details like copper spouting, brass fittings and timber panels also add to its charm.
“It has an absolutely massive front door that is about four metres high. When you first walk in, it opens to this enormous space.
“The home takes your breath away as soon as you walk in; it’s architecturally designed.”
Back outside, a wooden barrel turned hot tub isn’t the only feature providing a sense of a remote country getaway.
A large, healthy plum tree on the block produces plenty of sweet fruit every year.
The tree also drapes over the neighbouring property. The owners in that house have been exciting neighbourhood palettes with their homemade “driveway jam” for 26 years.
Making for an easy domestic life, the home also boasts a large wash house with two washing machines, a drier and double sink. The kitchen is also cook’s treat with plenty of pantry and utensil space.
In total, the whole site spans across 845 square metres, and includes a garden shed and double garage. There is room for redevelopment of the block.
Despite the illusion of bush living, the home is close to the CBD, Newmarket and Remuera, as well as public transport facilities, and buzzing cafes and shops.
For nature and fitness lovers alike, the entrance to Ayr Reserve is just three doors down, Newmarket Park is across the road.
The home is also in a double Grammar zone and just a few kilometres away both the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology.
At the end of the long driveaway that separates this property from city life, lies a vehicle turntable, a metal disc that spins the car around to make the drive out much easier.
“Think James Bond,” says Mr Bircham.
Mr Bircham has loved living in the property for seven years and planned to spend his golden years there; however, the house isn’t suitable for his daughter who requires wheelchair access.
He is hoping the new owners will enjoy it just as much.
The property goes to tender on October 18 with open homes on October 13 and 14 at 12.30pm - 1pm.
