When interior designer Lisa Harkness, who also works as an account manager in the textile industry, moved into her gracious, 1900s three-storey Parnell villa three years ago, there was practically nothing for her to do.
The people who sold it to the people before her had undertaken a totalrenovation, to an incredibly high standard, leaving her only to change a few colours and refresh the window treatments.
"I just loved the place, with its exceptionally high ceilings and period details like the stained glass windows still intact," she says.
"I've lived in Parnell for 20 years, in a variety of houses, and this one was the most perfect."
The ground floor of the 366 sq m house has a central family room with extensive built-in shelving. The colour scheme is restful and neutral and a gas fireplace keeps the room warm in winter.
A bright dining space is ideal for Lisa, who often works from home, and beside this is the kitchen, which has to be seen to be believed.
Marble worktops combine with a stainless steel benchtop and there's copious cupboard space. It's truly a keen cook's dream.
There's a separate laundry adjacent, plus a handy bathroom, with shower and toilet.
Back by the dining table are French doors, leading to a sun-soaked and private patio. "I like working out here, too," she says.
At the opposite side of this floor is a formal lounge, with a huge and handsome fireplace in its centre.
"Actually, this is one other thing that I did change. I got the artist Ross Lewis to repaint it with a marble effect and I'm very pleased with the result," says Lisa.
Three bedrooms lie on the second floor and two of them have access to the huge veranda where there's loads of space to entertain, or simply to sit and enjoy the expansive city views.
The tiled family bathroom is smart and elegant with a double shower and double basins, plus a lovely deep bath.
Finally, at the top of the house, is an enormous space, currently a bedroom but it could be an ideal playroom too. It has a study nook and there's also another small, separate room that is currently used for storage.
The double garage with internal access is an added-bonus in a house of this era, and the section is modest in size and easy to maintain.
But most of all, what Lisa has appreciated in her time here is that she's so close to the CBD and the new textile-quarter on St George's Bay Rd.
It's home to her favourite bar, Barulho, where the tapas and cocktails are divine, she says. She's also a big fan of Goodness Gracious, who are fast becoming a legend in the bagel business.
She likes to walk through the Parnell Rose Gardens, and finish up with a coffee at her favourite cafe.
In the weekend there's La Cigale French market, and of course Parnell Rise, with its many shops, galleries and eateries. Parnell Primary School is nearby and the house is double-grammar zoned.
Lisa's moving on because she's keen to have a new project. And, it may turn out to be somewhere other than Parnell.
