When Chris and Frances viewed 10C Corunna Avenue in 1992, it wasn’t just the striking architecture or numerous indoor-outdoor spaces that convinced them to purchase the property, but their kids.
“They saw all the secret corners in the gardens and they saw the swimming pool and from that moment on, they were selling it to us,” Frances says.
Built in the 1940s, the original house in Parnell was designed by William Gummer, of Gummer and Ford, best known for a number of large civic buildings in Auckland.
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10C Corunna Ave was designed by William Gummer, built in the 1940s and updated twice by well-known architect Terry Hitchcock. Photo / Supplied
Later owned by another well-known architect Terry Hitchcock and his wife, a few changes were made to the property including installing a swimming pool, renovating the kitchen, and the addition of a large glass conservatory.
In 1999, Chris and Frances added to the property with help from previous owner Hitchcock, who they had kept in touch with.
The additional two-storey dwelling is almost entirely independent and perfect for intergenerational families or older children.
The outdoor entertaining area is staged around a tranquil garden setting with a beautiful lily pond. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys real estate agent Fleur Denning, who is marketing the property, calls the central Auckland property a quiet piece of English countryside.
“I think one of the most lovely things about it is its tranquil setting. It’s got a beautiful lily pond on the northern side and a very big heated pool as well,” she says.
Chris and Frances particularly love spending their time looking out onto the different views of the garden from the glass conservatory and various patios.
The current owners added a two-storey dwelling to the property with help from previous owner and architect Terry Hitchcock. Photo / Supplied
“The east side is fully open and looks out on the lily pond which is really doing its thing at the moment.
“There are lots of lovely blue lilies and a little waterfall in there and that is where we eat nearly all our meals from spring through to autumn – we just live out there on the deck,” Chris says.
Denning notes that the architecture is classic and the property full of character – something that Chris and Frances also appreciated, loving the English cottage feel and how the main house is tucked into the garden.
The home is just a short walk from the shops at the top of Parnell Rise. Photo / Supplied
“The French terracotta roof tiles as wall cladding are a bit special. That was a Terry Hitchcock feature. We don’t know any other homes that have that,” Frances says.
Just a short walk from the shops at the top of Parnell Rise, Chris and Frances were able to give up driving around central Auckland with Parnell, Newmarket, and the CBD all easily accessible by bus or foot.
Denning says that absolutely everything is on your doorstep and that there is a lovely sense of community on the street.
The swimming pool and large glass conservatory were added by Hitchcock and his wife when they owned the property. Photo / Supplied
With just the two of them living there, Chris and Frances are finding the property just a little too big.
Their love of the area and its ease of transport is precisely why they are moving to a new section next door (taking the main house’s former address 10 Corunna Ave with them).
“It’s a very comfortable family home, perfect for different living situations. Timeless architecture in a really tranquil setting,” Denning adds.
10C Corunna Avenue in Parnell, Auckland, will be sold at auction on April 6.
