Annemarie Yannaghas has a fondness for old homes, so when she was house-hunting nearly nine years ago and her agent suggested looking at a contemporary house, she wasn't initially keen.
But it was in Parnell, her preferred suburb, and apparently had great indoor-outdoor flow, which was a must-have, so she agreed to pop in for a quick look.
The house at 10 Burrows Ave, Parnell, is being marketed by Edward Pack of Bayleys with a set sale date of May 26.
"I walked in the front door and said, ‘Oh my goodness, this is beautiful'," remembers Annemarie. "And although I had always lived in old houses, I just loved it. I was looking for a new home for myself and my three daughters after I split up from my ex-husband, and it was the perfect place for a new beginning for us."
Start your property search
The Peter Sargisson-designed house has expanded to fit the six growing children with its extensive living spaces. Photo / supplied
The large 2004-built home on an L-shaped site tucked down a driveway at the end of a cul-de-sac not only proved to be ideal for Annemarie and her girls, but it was also able to accommodate extras when she remarried two years later. There was plenty of room when husband Andy's four children came to stay. "We're like the Brady Bunch, with one extra," jokes Annemarie.
They did add an extra bedroom over the garage, and to make sure it was in keeping with the rest of the home, got original architect Peter Sargisson to do the plans. Peter had designed the house for himself and his family, and Annemarie says its special touches make it obvious that this is an acclaimed architect's own home. "Peter is an amazing architect and he and his wife Hannah have actually become friends of ours. I feel so fortunate to have been able to live in this house."
The terrace opens to immaculately landscaped grounds with a swimming pool. Photo / supplied
The three-level plastered block home has an abundance of the all-important indoor/outdoor flow that Annemarie craved, including a wide terrace off the main living/dining/kitchen area that is partly sheltered by the cantilevered upper level, and faces north out over the lush private garden and swimming pool.
Views from the upper floors take in Parnell parks and the Sky Tower in the distance. Photo / supplied
"The terrace is very sheltered and such a sun trap," says Annemarie. "It's lovely for relaxing and also a wonderful space for parties."
The kitchen has plenty of storage, including a pantry, and the maple cabinetry and floors soften the glass and concrete used throughout the house. A wall of sliding glass doors opens up to the terrace, while this part of the house is kept cosy in winter thanks to a gas fireplace.
Another striking gas fireplace is a feature of the second living room across the impressive atrium entranceway and also on this level is a bedroom, bathroom, laundry, storage cupboard and the double garage.
On the next level there are three bedrooms and a family bathroom. They're all good sizes but the master is particularly generous and comes with a large walk-through wardrobe and stylish en suite. There's a wonderful view to be had from the bed through sliding glass doors of the garden, pool and a peek of the city skyline.
The top floor study provides the best work-from-home views in the city. Photo / supplied
A clever cantilevered concrete staircase leads up to a study on the top level, which has even better views across Parnell to the city, and there's also the fifth bedroom with an en suite above the garage.
Ask Annemarie what her favourite part of the house is, and she's hard-pressed to come up with an answer. "I do love the study, but I love our bedroom too, and the kitchen is great, and oh, the garden… I love the light in this house, and the quality of everything, and the way everything works so well because it's been so carefully designed. I really can't fault it."
The house is on the market because they've decided to move to a beach property they own up north. "We are leaving with very heavy hearts. We've had so many happy times in this house, and yes, I am definitely a convert to more modern homes now."
Bayleys agent Edward Pack says as well as being private and secure, the mature gardens make it feel like a "truly tranquil oasis". "The property has been thoughtfully designed and is perfectly positioned. With scale and volume throughout the home, the property could be equally appealing to a wide demographic of buyers."
