St Heliers: Sleek and Sophisticated

Privacy and minimalism are all to be found at this modish St Heliers townhouse. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Astunning masonry wall marks the entrance to this property nestled between the trees flanking Maskell St in St Heliers.

Offering privacy and a strong presence, the stones emulate the clean lines of the home's interior.

Wide concrete steps bordered with rocks gently curve towards the front door, which is painted a gorgeous deep grey and offset with a chrome handle. Colour erupts in the form of lush subtropical plantings, copper spouting and the sleek plastered exterior to produce a perfect setting for this one-year-old townhouse.

Inside, the subtle, yet rich, colours continue in the materials and decor. Sleek floorboards sweep across the living areas contributing to the minimalist tone apparent throughout. Only interrupted by a luxurious deep charcoal carpet gracing the floors in the private areas, the floorboards offer a clean surface on which to display furnishings of any kind. Hardly intersecting the view is a masculine open fire, which centres the living space and transforms the area into a cosy haven during winter. Large bifold doors open from the living space to the lawns and garden - offering a cool breeze and relief from the hot summer days. Shaded by blinds, the outside is always on view, and at night stunning blue and white striped curtains extend the owner's privacy.

The large dining area delicately breaks the generous space. Divided from the kitchen by a terrazzo benchtop, it is deliciously lit with well-placed halogens.

The kitchen is an entertainer's dream. Ample bench space allows for parties of any size. Quality appliances, including a Smeg 900 cooker, Bosch integrated dishwasher and an extremely quiet rangehood, make preparing and serving meals a dream and are complemented by liberal amounts of cupboards. A dream addition is the walk-in pantry, which offers another place to prepare special delights away from prying eyes.

A rich chocolate-inspired aubergine wall guides people up the stairs to the second level. Here, a wide hallway leads to the bedrooms. At one end of the house, two large double bedrooms look across the valley and offer plenty of space for children's paraphernalia. Double wardrobes hide a multitude of sins and large windows are dressed in curtains similar to those in the living area. The family bathroom is tiled and hosts a voluminous corner glass shower, simple but effective bath, bowl basins and a heated chrome towel rail.

Facing the road with views across the street and beyond is the master bedroom. The light grey-brown walls allow for a peaceful setting and blue curtains flank the generous windows. The walk-in wardrobe has his-and-hers organisers and the en suite is similar to the main bathroom with a glass corner shower, double bowl basins and a heated towel rail. Storage is not a problem and provided through large cupboards in the hall.

Downstairs, a fourth bedroom or office is next to the entrance, and down a small hallway is a guest toilet and internal access to the double garage. Cleverly hidden at the back of this is a laundry with external access to a small service courtyard.

A clean-lined and sleek residence, this home offers a minimalist, sophisticated backdrop waiting for a discerning person to make it a home.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 123 Maskell St, St Heliers.

FEATURES: Four-bedroom townhouse with spacious open-plan living area opening to front lawn and garden; internal-access double garage with separate laundry leading to secluded service area; terrazzo benchtop, walk-in pantry, stainless appliances, provision for integrated fridge; two bathrooms and a guest toilet; ample storage; extensive lighting; large bedrooms; landscaped gardens.

SIZE: Land area approximately 400sq m.

AUCTION: 2pm, February 11, at Bayleys Maritime Square auction rooms.

AGENT: Marnie Adams, Bayleys. Ph 309 6020 bus; 021 867 750 mob.

CHARLOTTE COSSAR.