Parnell: Cut above the rest

A townhouse matches striking design with a prime location, writes Cate Foster.
4/30 Augustus Tce, Parnell.

Bedrooms among the treetops and views that go on forever are not what one usually associates with urban living, but this Parnell townhouse has the best of many worlds.

Not only is it a high quality, strikingly designed home, but it also has the "x-factor", that indefinable but instantly recognisable junction where romance and glamour meet. From the first floor bedroom seemingly embraced in the upper branches of a massive pohutukawa, to the huge master suite on the top floor, this is a home to die for.

Man about town Mitchell Stronge has lived in this spacious eight-year-old Simon Carnachan designed townhouse for the past three years, and in that time has stamped a very personal and extremely stylish mark upon it. No hint of developer bland here.

Art work from his nieces and nephews lines the hallways, and ethnic pieces, primarily from Papua New Guinea, give drama to the living spaces on the second floor. Behind the dining table is a fan-shaped piece that Mitchell has owned for thirty years, made almost entirely from arrows.

But it is in the little living area off the master bedroom that you really know you're in a bloke's world. Here, tucked away off to the side of the huge bedroom with its dramatic views out over the wharves and harbour, is a small living space, filled with the toys that Mitchell likes best. A classic car enthusiast of many years, Mitchell uses this space to display his collection of car and motorcycle models and memorabilia. A small, sheltered balcony leads off this room high above the pohutukawa, and is the perfect place to sip a morning cup of coffee in the sun.

Mitchell stores his five classic cars elsewhere, although the townhouse has a two car garage if he ever needs to pop in while out driving. The middle level of the house has a larger balcony with a wider view, and is the dramatic heart of this home. The kitchen was upgraded by Mitchell to include brushed stainless steel bench tops, dark stained cupboards and lots of highly speced equipment. He says it's a dream to cook in, and is big enough to cope with the demands of busy family life or cordon bleu from a couple who love to entertain.

Alongside it lies the dining room with space enough to sit eight with ease.

This flows into the huge sunny living space where the intersection of the floor to ceiling windows in the northerly corner draws the eyes outwards to the harbour and the ever changing city scene below.

Here snow white sofas show no sign of the legendary parties of days gone by, but are the perfect foil to the sweep of sky and sunlight outside.

Mitchell has loved his time in Augustus Terrace, but for him it's time to move on. Not for any particular reason, except that he is looking forward to putting his mark on an even bigger apartment.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 2

SIZE: Land 358sq m, house 235sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: $900,000-plus. Auction October 26.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 12-12.30pm or by appointment.

CONTACT: Suzanne Browne or Amy Olsen, Bayleys, ph 309 6020 bus, 021 830 096 (Suzanne), 021 878 435 (Amy).

FEATURES: Architecturally designed townhouse with city and harbour views. Separate study.