Tucked out the back of Parnell sits a beautifully restored Edwardian manor that, to the uneducated eye, could have stepped straight off the pages of a historical drama.
But one big secret abounds within the four exterior walls of 33 St Stephens Avenue. It’s no longer one home – but four.
Originally built for a former Auckland mayor, this 1904 Edwardian manor was later converted into four large apartments.
This apartment for sale, 1/33 St Stephens Avenue, Parnell, Auckland City, is the jewel in the manor’s crown, thanks to recent renovations and a thoughtfully designed and beautifully maintained garden that wraps around half the house and is soaked in sun virtually every minute of the day.
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It has two bedrooms, one bathroom and one garage.
The current owner bought 1/33 St Stephens Avenue three years ago, and almost immediately set out on a renovation journey. Her vision was to create a stylish, sophisticated home that oozed easy, effortless living while harking back to its roots.
“When I bought the home, the front entrance had been closed up. Along with reconfiguring much of the inside of the home we re-established the front door too, so the home enjoys a lovely inviting entrance which wasn’t there before.”
Seamless indoor/outdoor flow was a big priority. She moved the kitchen from the front of the house to the ballroom which now also houses the living and dining spaces.
But blink and you might just miss the kitchen. Designed to be minimalistic with clever storage solutions that hide most things away, it oozes sleek, modern sophistication while blending in seamlessly with the historical features of the rest of the room.
Beautiful high ceilings, enormous windows, restored cornices and ceiling roses, and a feature fireplace are the cherry on the top of this beautiful, light-drenched feature room.
In the master bedroom, a custom-made floor-to-ceiling wardrobe merges with stained glass and window shutters to again effortlessly blend old and new. Next door, the bathroom is lined with what seems like endless marble, creating a sleek modern space that still manages to fit in with the rest of the home’s aesthetic.
While the manor is actually four homes in one, you’d never know you had neighbours.
“I have the best neighbours in the world. It’s all very casual – I know they’re there – and we catch up for a Christmas drink, but otherwise we very much live our own lives. There’s no body corp either which makes living here even easier.”
Positioned on a no-exit street, the home, which is being auctioned on May 13, enjoys a quiet solitude that’s not easy to come by when you live in the middle of Auckland City.
It’s within walking distance to Parnell shops, Gladstone Road, and Rosie, the locally famous eatery just up the road from the Parnell rose gardens.
“It’s breaking my heart to leave but I can only hope that whoever buys this home will love it as much as I do.”
The property is being marketed by Bayleys agent, Fleur Denning.
