45A Brighton Road, Parnell, Auckland

Collector's piece

There is a sense of the theatrical as you enter this timeless updated Cook Sargisson Hitchcock - designed home, which is as versatile as it is inspired with its signature architectural character. A generous, moody entry circulation space connects beautiful interiors to an expansive sunny, private garden courtyard.

Large doors and sliding windows across spacious living areas blur the lines between the indoors and out, making for sensational entertaining; a great venue for a crowd where all areas open up and converge as one.

A clever configuration separates the guest suite that has its own lounge above the internal double garage in front to add practical options, giving guests, extended family or teens their own private space without being excluding from the rest of the house which has two more bedrooms and an office upstairs. The large master suite is a delightful retreat, doubling in size across a sunny covered deck overlooking the courtyard, offering vistas over the surrounding environs.

Recent modernising includes a sleek minimalist kitchen, and a butler's pantry incorporating the laundry. Three beautiful bathrooms (including the ensuite) were also tastefully refurbished.

Throughout the predominately concrete block and weatherboard home, exposed timber rafters, native timber floors and window joinery generate irresistible character and warmth. Features like the deep timber soffits, opaque shoji screens and timber sliders, present a hint of a zen-like Japanese sensibility.

Part of a great neighbourhood in an enclave set back from the road, with lots of parking leading to Ayr Street Reserve and close to Parnell Village, and zoned for Double Grammar, this is an architectural collector's piece.