When one of you moves halfway around the world and the other jumps the ditch to the other side of the Tasman, what life throws at you can end up being quite serendipitous.
Originally from Ireland and Australia respectively, Ciaran and Paige moved to New Zealand eight years ago, not knowing that their paths would cross.
Soon after the pair met and the rest, as they say, is history.
“When we used to walk the dog around Alberon Reserve, we always admired the exterior of one house in particular,” says Paige.
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A fully renovated villa, 17 Alberon Street in Parnell has been designed with modern living in mind. Photo / Supplied
“It was quaint and unassuming, and we could imagine ourselves living there and starting a family. Then in 2019 it came up for sale and we jumped at the opportunity to live in this home we’d always dreamed about.”
From the road, 17 Alberon Street, Parnell is exactly how Paige describes it: quaint and cute, unassuming, and brimming with character.
A fully renovated villa, this home has been designed with modern living in mind.
The property appealed to the current owners because it was quaint and unassuming. Photo / Supplied
The three bedrooms have plenty of storage, spacious indoor and outdoor areas and a modern kitchen lend themselves to effortless entertaining, original kauri floors and leadlight windows hark back to the home’s roots, and central heating and cooling make the home comfortable whatever the weather.
But it’s the home’s connection with the outdoors that sets it apart from the rest of the street.
“Ours is one of four homes that backs onto Alberon Reserve, which feels like it’s an extension of our backyard,” says Paige.
The owners say 17 Alberon Street is like bach-living with city convenience. Photo / Supplied
“When we wake up in the morning all we see is green, and when we’re sitting out on the deck we get an incredible view of the palms all through the reserve. It’s home to so many fruit trees and the bird life is just incredible.”
When they come home from work every day, it’s like they’re heading on holiday.
“It’s bach living with city convenience,” says Ciaran. “You’ve effectively got this parkland property in a quiet, leafy cul de sac that feels completely disconnected from the city, but you’re only a 30-minute stroll to Queen Street.
“It’s a hidden oasis away from the rest of the city.”
The property has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Photo / Supplied
Fast-forward to 2022 and Ciaran and Paige are married with a growing family. “The kids being able to explore the ‘rainforest’ as they call right next door has been wonderful,” Paige says. “Everything we need is on our doorstep.”
Steve Koerber from Ray White agrees that 17 Alberon Street is perfectly placed for young families. “Parnell District School is literally at the top of the road, as are the trendy Gladstone Road cafes and shops,” he says.
“It’s also double Grammar-zoned and moments from Parnell Village, the waterfront, and much more. For cute character, park-side, city-edge living, you can’t get better than this.”
The property backs onto Alberon Reserve which the home owners’ children describe as “the rainforest”. Photo / Supplied
For Ciaran and Paige, it’s been wonderful but it’s time to call it a day on Parnell.
“This is a very bittersweet sale,” says Paige. “The location is incomparable, and the neighbours are the best in Auckland, without a doubt.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful neighbourhood and our time here has been just wonderful. But it’s time for a new season, both for us and for the home.”
17 Alberon Street, Parnell, Auckland will be sold at auction on February 23. The property is being marketed by Ben Ryken and Koerber of Ray White.
