Parnell: Designing a destiny

When designer Penny Foote did some work for the man about this house, she didn't realise she would end up moving in too.

18b Corunna Avenue, Parnell.

Interior designer Penny Foote has lived in her Parnell home for around two years, but had visited the property frequently before becoming a resident. A good friend and university flatmate of the incumbent occupant, Penny had been to many a party at the home and had even done some design work for a barrister who lived there, Simon Foote, the man who is now her husband.

Through her company, Savante Design, the former Penny Morton had specified new sofas, a coffee table and some other furniture for the home, as well as new Sallee carpet and blinds. Luckily, she liked what she helped Simon choose. Penny even reluctantly gave Simon a pair of candlesticks for his 30th birthday which she had sneakily decided to keep for herself. She thought she'd never have them in her possession again, but there they are today, on the modern mantel of the living area's gas fireplace.

Although the home has worked well for Simon as a bachelor, and for Penny and Simon as a couple, the birth of baby Fergus means it's time to move on from the townhouse.

Set down a long driveway at the end of a no-exit street near Parnell Road, the home is unbelievably quiet, save for the birdsong from surrounding trees and nearby Alberon reserve.

Built 14 years ago, the three-level cedar-clad home was architecturally designed and has stood the test of time. Originally home to former Metropole restaurateur and the man behind Antipodes Water, Simon Woolley, the elevated kitchen on the ground-floor living space is testament to people who know a thing or two about food. As well as copious storage space and a big sink, there are two ovens and a serious-looking gas hob with a grill hotplate.

The position of the kitchen, with its smart black cabinetry and huge pantry, is almost like a stage to the living and dining spaces. "It's a real show-off kitchen," Penny says. Penny says she and her Simon have had many great parties and dinners there and as she used to work for Simon Woolley at Metropole, believes he wouldn't have led the quiet life in the home either. "It's been great. Every year we have a petanque party and 30 people can fit in easily here," she says.

The shell petanque court was included when the Footes added all the landscaping in the enclosed courtyard, to a design by Jo Hamilton. With palms and plenty of natives, the design is intentionally low-maintenance. There's an awning too, which ensures that rain doesn't stop meals being enjoyed al fresco. The entrance to the home is through a sun-drenched atrium on the level above the living space. On this storey there's also the master bedroom, which feels like a tree house as it looks out to the canopy of the palms planted in the garden.

The top level, reached via a flight of jarrah stairs, features the home's second bedroom, which Penny currently uses as an office, although its en suite means this bedroom would also make ideal guest quarters. With Parnell's bars just around the corner, a guest space could be very handy for any future owners whose friends need a warm bed after a few cold drinks.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 2

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 1+

SIZE: Land, share of 1740sq m, house 141sq m.

PRICE: $775,000.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 12.45-1.30pm.

CONTACT: Charlotte Marshall, ph 0274 808 525, James Marshall, ph 021 404 788, Bayleys Mt Eden.

FEATURES: Cedar clad townhouse with entertainer's kitchen including two ovens. Gas fireplace. Hinuera stone paving, private and sunny courtyard, petanque court, low-maintenance sub-tropical landscaping.