Parnell: Ayr space

Gallery, in Parnell's Ayr St, is the definition of designer terrace home living. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Terrace housing is at last returning to its glorious beginnings, with new lovely homes, individual in style, commanding people to sit up and take notice. Gone are the rows of box-like constructions of the 1990s with their tiny balconies and poky rooms. Instead, in this luxury development on Ayr St in Parnell - Gallery - gracious homes with capacious living areas, large bedrooms, exquisite front courtyards and large balconies or back gardens in a secure gated enclave offer residents a sublime existence.

On the former site of the historic Grammar Old Boys Rugby Club, these elegant two-storey, three-bedroom homes are a statement of lavish living.
With two floorplans, the end terraces are slightly larger than the middle ones, with an approximate combined ground- and first-level floor area of 230sq m. Entering through a security gate into a north-facing private front courtyard, which bathes in sunlight throughout the year, the front door opens to rich floorboards that sweep through the lower level. To one side a dining area-cum-television room or office is privatised from the rest of the home with glass doors, and opening to the front courtyard is one of three living areas. The kitchen is all about polished granite benchtops and European stainless-steel appliances and the sleek cabinetry skilfully melds with the almost traditional-style detailing in the ceilings and other fittings. The large informal living area, which is generous enough to allow for a sitting area as well as a dining area, opens through bifold doors to a terrace, which in some homes then leads to a private garden. However, sumptuous living has come of age in the formal living area. Warmed by a large gas fireplace, this intimate living area is divine. A room oozing style as well as comfort, the dimensions of the space allow for a multitude of uses. Ideal when entertaining, it is also perfect for cosy evenings watching television. Wired for surround sound and a plasma television, this room - which can be closed off from the main living area - also opens to a terrace.

Up a wide staircase, the bedrooms all open to their own balcony. A great size, the warm and natural decor used throughout the home further enhances these more private domains.

The bathroom and en suite boast raised polished Italian stone vanities within solid oak veneer storage towers, white porcelain hand basins and Hansa tapware.
The second floorplan is slightly smaller and has room for three living zones. Although they are not privatised by doors, the spaces are clearly defined by structural detailing. A service column to one side cleverly houses storage and the laundry, while a powder room is also discreetly accessible. Upstairs, the layout of the bedrooms is reversed from the end terraces, with the master suite overlooking the beautifully upgraded Newmarket Park. A hidden treasure, this park has a path that leads to Newmarket.

Other features of the homes include separate two-car garaging, 3m stud heights in the living areas, state-of-the-art gas heating and ventilation systems, stained Victorian ash floors and trendy square matt aluminium downlights and halogens. The master bedrooms have walk-in wardrobes with provision for hanging racks, shoe storage and built-in drawers, and the additional bedrooms have wardrobes with shelving, hanging space and drawers.

A private enclave removed from the road, these homes with their stunningly landscaped gardens and common areas are setting a new standard for terrace living.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Gallery, 35 Ayr St, Parnell.

FEATURES: Terrace homes with three bedrooms, formal and informal living areas opening to terraces on both sides; kitchens with granite benchtops, stainless-steel appliances; gas fireplace; ceiling fans; 3m stud heights (varies); a laundry; bathroom, en suite and powder room; two-car garaging; central vacuum; security video intercom to gate.

SIZE: 230sq m (including balcony, excluding garage); 180sq m (including balcony, excluding garage).

PRICE: Three at $1.4m; two at $1.2m.

AGENT: Patricia Habrle, Barfoot & Thompson, Parnell. Ph 0274 982 404 mob.