Townhouse with potential

A central location, oodles of space and heaps of promise set this spacious inner-city townhouse apart from the rest, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Give credit where credit's due. Chase Corporation might have scored some bad press for the buildings it constructed in the late 1980s. But the former developer can claim a big tick for this row of townhouses that forms an exclusive address overlooking Myers Park, just off Queen St in Auckland city.

Big and solid with much more space than average city homes, these townhouses have weathered two decades extremely well. A timeless design has stood them in good stead and their location continues to make them special and highly sought-after.

It's a stunning spot just a minute's walk to the Town Hall. You simply can't find a comparable green outlook with this level of privacy, security and peace in a more convenient location close to the city's amenities.

Squatting long and low behind a tall, plastered fence and security gate, the townhouses are spoilt with an abundance of outdoor living. They overlook the wide-open spaces of Myers Park from balconies extending the width of the living areas. In the opposite direction, sheltered, paved garden courtyards face north-west and soak up the afternoon sun.

The owners of the end home have refurbished their interior with a quality fit-out. Rich-red jarrah floors with a brass inlay running around the perimeter now extends across the expansive living area and entry foyer on the middle level. Divided into an intimate dining space nearer the kitchen end and a light-filled sitting area towards the balcony, this big area easily accommodates large numbers for parties.

Because of its generous wall space, there's plenty of room to display large artworks - an advantage the present owners have put to good use to give the room a distinctive personality. Gold-striped curtains set an elegant mood and keep the heat in at night. The lighting was recently updated with recessed halogens in the ceiling, so the owners can switch dimmers to create the perfect mood for any occasion.

A new beech kitchen with Smeg appliances adds a smart, practical working hub in front. Next door to the entry foyer, it allows the owners to stand in the kitchen and watch as their guests come down the path. Retracting bifold windows above the granite benchtop mean that the chef can chat and pass refreshments to guests outside in the courtyard. Not just one, but three pantries, including a big corner pantry, maximise the storage capacity. The terracotta-tiled floor glows beneath the beech cabinetry to make this a warm and inviting room.

Gold carpet flows upstairs to three elegant bedrooms, each enlivened with beautiful matching fabrics in stars and stripes of burgundy and gold.

The master bedroom has been enlarged by borrowing space from a former atrium. Now windows throw light into the stairwell through timber blinds. Overlooking the street, it's a big, sunny room that opens through a dressing room into an en suite.

The second and third bedrooms ease out to a balcony overlooking the park. A second bathroom features a glazed shower over the bath and a good-sized vanity with plenty of storage.

If the owners don't mind climbing a ladder, there's a heap more storage space in the attic above the second level. Downstairs, the large office or teenager's fourth bedroom hides a third toilet. The laundry is concealed in a cupboard, too.

Handy steps lead from the office down to a spacious double garage with a remote-controlled door. If the new owners wanted more space it would be easy to extend the floor from the office across the double-height roof of the garage to create a mezzanine level.

Unlike many townhouses, this one offers loads of potential. Because it is only one of five homes, the body corporate is small and accommodating, assures the owner.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: 7/58 Greys Ave, Auckland city.

FEATURES: Townhouse overlooking Myers Park in heart of the city; three double bedrooms plus large office or fourth bedroom; two bathrooms master bedroom with en suite; jarrah floors; double internal garaging; alarm and security system; gas bayonet heating.

SIZE: 232sq m.

TENDER: Closes 4pm on August 28.

AGENT: Wayne Bulog and Anne Reed, Barfoot & Thompson, Ponsonby. Ph 376 3039 bus; Wayne 0274 723 557 mob; Anne 021 963 010 mob.