Next available around 11 April

 Contact me on 0438 475 954.  heatherbrown747@yahoo.com.au

Furnished Studio Flat in Sydney   

• Very sunny, clean, functional and positive.
• Fully equipped including washer/dryer, kitchen stuff, bedlinen, TV/DVD
• Bills included;  unlimited wireless internet, electricity and cleaner on departure.
• Between the city and eastern beaches, next to Centennial Park, short walk to Oxford St, close to Fox Studios, the Entertainment Quarter, Cricket Ground and Football Stadium.
• Neighbouring suburbs are Paddington, Woollahra, Bondi Junction, Randwick, Moore Park, Surry Hills
• Between the 2 main public transport corridors of the east - Oxford St and Anzac Pde - 24hr bus services.
• Limited street parking.  Neighbour's parking space has been used in the past for $30pw
• Smoke and pet free.
• Prefer over 25s only....but usually delighted to host anyone who can fill out the expression of interest in one of the posts below.   Single or couple only - maximum 2 people (double bed only)

The longer you stay, the cheaper it is...

• $600pw for stays of less than a month (This is a last minute option if your dates match next available - pay in advance and via Airbnb).
• $550pw for stays of between 1 and 3 months (Do that through Airbnb?). 
• $450pw for stays of longer than 3 months (Rent paid 4 weeks in advance and a bond of $900  ....so you need $2 700 to get in the door).  

5% off for 'Annexe Family' (returning Annexe custodians).  

Cosy at night.  The bedcover is a nod to some former Annexe guardians from India.
Beautiful (it and them!).

A Flexible Lease

A fixed departure date is best as I can usually re-let it very easily if I know well in advance..

I'm usually open to any length of stay but the shorter the stay, the more time consuming for me, and therefore the more expensive... the price needs to cover the cleaner on departure and any gap between tenants that results...and maybe a day I take off work.  Stays will only be considered if taken from close to the date it's available - I don't take advanced bookings for other dates - I like people to feel they can stay as long as they like - people often extend their stay. I bother with short stays as it really is an ideal flat for someone temporarily in Sydney....and I like to get the flat back from time to time to host my own guests.  

A 24/48hr gap between tenants is ideal but longer gaps are expensive...so the incoming tenant with the matching dates usually gets the gig. Another tip: the one who can read all of this blog and cut and paste the expression of interest questions is also a hot favourite to stand out from the crowd.

THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE BLOG

Please scroll down to see more posts including;  Location, Interested?, The Kitchen and Bathroom, History ...and many more...best to view on a pc or imac if you can ...(my phone only offers an abridged version).

This place has been listed on airbnb since June 2014.  Check out the reviews and book through Airbnb if you prefer that kind of mutual accountability.  https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2778324

Have a look...

In the winter the sun reaches all the way to the bed and back wall - you'll hardly need that panel heater.
The Annexe is solar heated!

The space is small (32 square metres) but very positive. The blinding light from the large north facing window gives it a great vibe. The joke is that you need sunglasses to wash up as there's another north facing window above the kitchen sink. It's particularly lovely in winter - there's a panel heater on one of the walls... but you'll only need it on very cold nights. In summer the sun is less intrusive as it's higher (doesn't come in so deeply into the flat) and there's a shade blind and blockout curtains.

 The duvet is laundered twice a year and the pillows replaced every year.   

It's fully furnished and equipped....including a built in wardrobe, double bed and linen, washing machine and dryer, vacuum cleaner, an iron and ironing board, towels,  smart TV, a speaker for your music.... There's a landline...and there's unlimited wireless internet access.   There's also a wireless printer/scanner/copier.

You just have to turn up with your suitcase. If you're in Sydney temporarily and have no car, cat, kids or clutter, don't stay in a hotel or hostel.....you'll find peace and tranquility here.  The tiny space has a corner in which to sleep, a corner in which to lounge, a corner in which to compute and a table to dine at.  The bathroom is off a little hall, offering some dignity and privacy. (!).
It would suit someone with just a couple of suitcases - they can slide under the bed once their contents are in the wardrobe.... for a clutter free existence.

Whilst the outlook is very bright, there's another building 200 metres to the north blocking what would be a sensational view....you'll have to go to the rooftop for that.

From the front door looking in.  Bathroom and kitchen off to the left.
The desk opens up to create a nice laptop surface.
Under it there's a powerboard and 2 international adaptors.
On it is the modem and landline.

From the desk looking towards the front door.
Kitchen and bathroom doors to the right.
Intercom to guest entrance on ground floor on the wall on the right.

View from sofa towards kitchen (these chairs have since been replaced by something more groovy)

The Building and Rooftop View

Thanks to Rishad for these fabulous night views from the roof.

Rishad has used a zoom lense here - The Harbour Bridge is 6km away

The moon rising in the east.  Bondi Junction in the foreground.

Entrance foyer, facing east

Entrance Foyer, facing west

Above: View to the north west. Fox Studios in the foreground, The Sydney Football Stadium (demolished and a new one now under construction), city skyline with Centrepoint (AMP) Tower at centre. Half of the arch to The Sydney Harbour Bridge can just be seen just to the left of the stand alone building on the right.


Above: View to the west. Fox Studios in foreground. Floodlights of Sydney Cricket Ground.

View to the east. Centennial Park.

Building entrance from Cook Rd. (Steep steps can be avoided by using the rear lane entrance)

The flat is on the 6th floor on the northern side of a security building built in the 1970s. The picture above is of the western side, the northern side is to the left and sadly has no balconies. There's an onsite caretaker and the building is clean and well maintained. In the last year or two, we (the body corporate) have invested $250 000 in making the building compliant to Sydney's fire hazard regulations. There's now a fire hose on every floor, super fancy detectors and a back to base alarm. New water tanks have been installed on the roof - the water pressure is now very good. A toilet has recently been installed on the roof for those who like to entertain up there.
There's a lift of course.

The rooftop is accessible to residents and boasts a spectacular view in all directions - west to the city, with the cricket ground, football stadium and Fox Studios in the foreground, east over Centennial Park to Bondi Junction and the sea, and south to Botany Bay and the airport. This is a great place to take a tablecloth, bottle of wine and pizza on a hot night...or to read the paper in the sun in the winter. Cricket or football tragics could take a radio up there and follow their game, looking longingly at SCG or SFS - the roar of the crowd is loud and clear!

Aaah...we had dinner here on my mother's 80th birthday

The flat does not have a car space. Parking in Cook Rd requires a permit which means the vehicle must be registered at this address and your license must show it too. Alternatively, you can park in Lang Rd - it's the street parallel to Cook Rd, along the side of the park....Some of the flats in the building do have car spaces and usually someone is leasing their space. They generally charge $25 to $30pw. Let me know if you want me to ask the caretaker if he knows of any available.

Best not to have a car and enjoy the convenience of this wonderful location!

If this helicopter shot was a fraction wider, you'd see Cook Rd running down to the right of it.  Google Earth will show you more...but this is a beauty.  The Sydney Cricket Ground and the former Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz Stadium), currently being re-built.   They're used for cricket, Australian rules football, soccer, rugby league, rugby union and concerts.  For upcoming events, go to www.sydneycricketground.com.au
The large, rectangular, hangar-like buildings to the right are part of the Fox Studios film studio.  www.foxstudiosaustralia.com  Just out of the picture at the bottom is The Entertainment Quarter.  It's an entertainment centre with food, shops, bars, cinemas and markets. www.eqmoorepark.com.au. 

Location, location, location.

Click on any of these images and they will appear full screen. As you can see, the flat is between the city (3km to Hyde Park) and eastern beaches of Bondi, Bronte (4km) Coogee (5km) etc. If you have Google Earth, search for 49 Cook Rd, Centennial Park, NSW, 2021. Get directions from Google maps it will tell you how to get from here on foot, by car or by public transport.  How far, how long it takes etc.  (A miracle).  Cross reference this info with the Trip Planner at the public transport site (www.tp.transportnsw.info).
 Highly recommended before you make a decision about The Annexe. 

The main transport corridors are Oxford St and Anzac Parade with frequent 24hr buses in both directions.

From the city, catch a 333 (from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach via Bondi Junction) 340 (from Chatswood and North Sydney to Bondi Junction) or 440 (from Leichhardt to Bondi Junction via Central Station and Bondi Junction) to the corner of Oxford St and Jersey Rd, Woollahra/Paddington - it's a 7 min walk from there.
These buses are very frequent - all but the 340 run until midnight.  The 333 is 24hrs.  Less frequent daytime buses also run to/from Marrickville/Newtown/Alexandria/Bondi Junction (355), Marrickville/Newtown/Sydney Uni/Surry Hills/Bondi Junction (352). For timetables go to:  www.sydneybuses.com.   The Eastern Region Guide is an excellent document for getting orientated.  There's a hard copy of this, and many timetables in hard copy in The Annexe.

The Opal card is the long awaited revolution which is making ticketing for public transport simpler and cheaper.  It's now active on all the buses, trains, light rail and ferries and is a must have.  Check it out at www.opal.com.au.  There are 2 cards in The Annexe for new arrivals and short stayers....longer stayers will get their own.

Adjacent suburbs are Paddington, Woollahra, Randwick, Moore Park and Bondi Junction. You're also very near The Sydney Cricket Ground, Football Stadium, Paddington Markets and Oxford St vibe. Fox Studios and The Entertainment Quarter are within walking distance too. Centennial Park is on your doorstep.

You don't need a car here - the transport links are excellent and the distances short enough to walk everywhere if you have the time.

This cracker of a shot shows the SFS and SCG in the foreground.  Large hangar-like buildings behind them belong to the Fox Studios movie making mob.  Cook Rd is behind them....a line of ugly tower blocks (ugly to look at, lovely to live in).  The Annexe is in the second of these buildings from the left.  Centennial Park is behind them.  The Pacific Ocean is in blue to the east.  (North is to the left of the picture)

Interested?

On your way and think The Annexe might suit you?

Please note that this flat is only suitable for a single person or a couple. There is no balcony and smoking is not permitted inside the flat. Prefer 25+....only because I was once bitten ...but have also had some very positive younger people.  I judge everyone by how well they paint a picture of their situation by answering the questions below.  I don't care whether or not you're married or are professionals.  Be open and communicative.

Be sure to answer the questions below to save too much bouncing back and forward of emails. I'm a shiftworker who works 12hrs day or night...so thanks in anticipation of your patience.

Please copy and paste the following into an email page, answer the questions and send it to heatherbrown747@yahoo.com.au.  I usually get lots of one line enquiries and it's hard to move forward without more information...

(If you're finding all this a hassle, book through airbnb - you can pay up front with a credit card and we're both more accountable  - go to www.airbnb.com and search for Centennial Park - Cosy Little Nest. ...or cut and paste this link:   www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2778324      They will charge me 3% and you a booking fee....but the mutual accountability is quite attractive....and I won't be such a nosey/demanding landlady as they take care of any security concerns we might both have).

Expression of Interest in Centennial Park Studio
www.cookrdannexe.blogspot.com

1. Have you seen/read all 10 posts on the blog and the Airbnb listing?

2. What are the names, ages, occupations and nationalities of those who would live there?

3. Email and phone contact details please.

4. Where are you staying now (suburb and type of accommodation - friends/hostel/guest house)? If not in Sydney, when will you arrive?

5. Where are you from originally?

6. Why are you coming to Sydney and where will your place/s of work/interest/love be (suburb)?
...and how long will it take you to get there from The Annexe? Use google maps (if travelling on foot or by car) or the trip planner at www.131500.com.au (if travelling by public transport).

7. Your ideal dates for occupying the flat?  - available 11 April
From:
To:

8. Why do you think the flat would suit you?

9. How much stuff do you have? (Just a suitcase or some household things? Note that The Annexe has bedding/towels/laundry powder/dishwashing liquid/coathangers....!!....so bring as little as you can).  There's a built in wardrobe and quite a big space under the bed...but it is limited.

10. What's your understanding of how much you will have to pay when you move in?  

11.  Want to view it?  The place is occupied until 12 Feb then from 13th to 28th Feb and I generally prefer not to intrude on the current custodian.....  

12.  Do you want me to arrange to rent a car space from a neighbour?

Please note that later if we come to a mutual agreement, I will ask for:

• A photocopy of your passport/s and drivers license/s ( I will give you mine when I give you my bank details).
• The name and contact details of your employer. (I would not contact them without asking you first)
• The name and contact details of a relative or friend to contact in an emergency.
• Money - $200 to secure it (I'll remove any ad, block out the calendar, and not consider others)....and then 4wks rent on arrival
Rent/deposit can be paid by bank transfer or Paypal.   Bank transfers take a couple of days so forward me the receipt.   Some have made first rent payment in cash on arrival....but this is problematic as it may mean travelling with a lot of cash...

The Kitchen and Bathroom

Everything you need to self cater

Cleaning products under the sink.

The kitchen has a 250L fridge with a good size freezer, microwave...and a door so that you can shut out the washing up (unusual in a studio). There are pots and pans, crockery, cutlery, tea towels, cleaning products.... The cooker/stove is a Westinghouse with fan forced oven, separate grill and ceramic cooktop.


In the bathroom, there's a top loader washing machine, and dryer above it. Things also dry well on the fold out rack. The shower is over the narrow bath.  There's a wall heater and extractor fan....enough toilet paper for a week....laundry powder....a hairdryer....

Have you considered...

Why the Annexe might NOT suit you......yes, really!

• You would prefer not to provide any information about yourself until you have viewed the flat.  I understand this sentiment but only show it to people who I think I would offer it to.  These are people who I know have read the blog and considered the pros and cons - they just need to confirm that it's accurate.  Those viewings where dozens of hopefuls show up are awful for everyone.  The alternative is to book through www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2778324 - you can use your credit card and there's more mutual accountability.
• You're very tall and you've always had queen or king beds.  A double bed could be a problem.
• This is your second home in Sydney and you've already taken that trip to Ikea and Kmart and got the bedding, heaters and other basic household bits.  There's not space for double of everything and it's not good value when you've already made that 'nesting investment'.
• There's a rooftop area but no balcony or outdoor area immediately off the flat.  The Annexe is smoke free
• The building is pet free
• The window is big and bright but much of the view is blocked by another building
• There's no gym or pool or other mod cons.  The kitchen is not stainless steel or caesar stone and does not have Smeg appliances or a dishwasher.  ...and I don't iron the sheets or tea towels.
• The shower is over the bath and your knees don't bend like they used to...so getting in and out of the shower might be difficult.
• You'd prefer a gas rather than an electric cooktop
• You're worried about parking (there's nearly always a neighbour with a vacant space but it will cost you $30pw).
• You're staying 6 months or more and can find better value/more space for the money if you commit to a longer term lease.
• With bond, the move in cost is too much and you can't pay by credit card (an alternative here is to book through airbnb and pay by card)
• There are more than 2 of you or there's more than one of you and you don't want to share a bed....and you can't resolve the squabble over who gets to sleep on the blow up mattress.
• You'd rather rent from a company than a private landlady.  (Remember that booking through airbnb.com is an alternative).
• It's too small

Some sites to try...

www.furnishedproperties.com.au - their studios nearby in Paddington may suit you??  I haven't seen inside but the location in Ormond St is great.  For something swanky, try the studios at Quest in Bondi Junction.
www.airbnb.com - an incredible range of quality whole house and spare room options - could be a great hotel alternative if your dates don't match mine exactly.
www.shorttermapartmentrentals.com.au, www.shortstays.net, www.stayz.com.au, www.gumtree.com.au, www.sydneyterraces.com.au, www.craigslist.com.au,

www.domain.com.au, www.realestate.com.au, - these 2 tend to be for properties that usually require you take out a 6 month lease... not many are furnished...and even fewer are equipped.
www.ardenhouse.com.au - weekly guest house near Coogee Beach - for the backpacker market maybe?
...and there's more...
easyroommate.com.au, homeaway.com.au, onthehouse.com.au, rent-a-home.com.au, reiwa.com.au, realestateview.com.au, rent.com.au, allhomes.com.au, roomz.com.au, takeabreak.com.au, booking.com

If considering another place and electricity is not included, allow at least $25pw. (Some electricity billing providors such as Ausgrid may ask for a bond of $350 if you have not had an account with them before).  Also allow $20pw for wifi and landline...ask about connection fees and be prepared to commit to 6 or 12 months.  Many places also charge a cleaning fee of $50 or $100 on departure.   These expenses are included at The Annexe.

Thanks for looking and good luck with your search.

Heather

The History of The Annexe

We met on the buses, and are older and uglier now...but still smiling.

I've owned The Annexe since December 2007.

My partner Duncan and I use the flat as an 'overflow' from our other, slightly larger, flat in the same street. We use it to house our guests in the gaps between tenants. This is a very extravagant luxury so we're open to short lets when suitable people come our way.

Three times we've leased it to nearby Fox Studios businesses for visiting contractors... once for a month to an English woman visiting her daughter, three summers in a row to a French woman escaping the northern hemisphere winter. 6 months to an American/Australian/Japanese couple working nearby, an Adelaide couple starting a new phase in Sydney....a German thinking of doing the same ... it's been a launchpad for new migrants from Ireland, India, Venezuela, Cuba, South Africa, Argentina and England...and so it goes on.  Several have initially committed to 6 weeks and ended up staying 3-6 months.  So far so good.  I've insisted on constructive feedback from all them so the place keeps evolving/improving with a legacy from each custodian.

Update....10yrs later....your wrinkly hosts...I deal with the people and D does the maintenance.

More details...

Look what slides out from under the sofa - a weird coffee table for those who like the floor.   (The clock radio dock beside the bed has been replaced by the groovy speaker thing).

Make yourself at home by enjoying your own music or streamed radio.  Very pleased with the sound from the speaker thing! (Blaupunkt Monaco audio system).    Plug in (or do it wirelessly via Bluetooth) your phone (android or apple) or your tablet/ipad/laptop.  This gadget has a long battery life so you can move it around or take it to the roof.  

The TV/DVD is on a swivel bracket on the wall.  Watch it comfortably from the bed or the sofa.  The one in this photo was replaced by a Smart TV in 2021.

The printer/scanner/copier is wireless and hides under a cover on a little trolley that slides under the bed.  A lot of people use The Annexe as a springboard for a new life in Sydney and find this the handiest thing when preparing resumes and applying for jobs.

Plenty to whet your appetite for Sydney...there's also a shelf of guide books

Write your novel here!

Let me help you solve your transport needs....my specialist subject.

The duvet doubles in winter and there's also a cotton waffle blanket for those who think feathers are for birds.

The built in wardrobe has a chest of drawers inside, hanging space and a large high shelf... and a mirrored door.  We added the curtains and reversed one of the doors in case, like us, you find all that mirror a bit much!

The map in the hall has little red dots marking the home towns of former Annexe Guardians.

A detailed Sydney map on the kitchen wall to help you get orientated.

Inventory

There's enough space under the bed to store your suitcases.

Inventory for The Annexe

(49-51 Cook Rd)

Keys

Building, 2 front door keys, letterbox key (2 sets), safe key.

Key to desk/bureau

11 keys in total

Floor and wall coverings

Carpet, rug, kitchen mat, hall runner

Dark grey curtains on main window

Net curtain

2 sunscreen blinds

Tab curtains in front of wardrobe.

6 framed pictures, 2 x Centennial Park paintings, iron framed mirror, 3 laminated maps

Hall cupboard

Vacuum cleaner

Spare set of double bed linen

Spare tablecloth

2 beach towels, 2 spare bath towels, 2 bathmats , 2 dressing gowns

Iron

Picnic set, picnic blanket

Bathroom

Washing machine and dryer

Drying rack, laundry basket, ironing board

Bath mat, non slip shower mat, shower curtain

Alarm clock, hairdryer

2 bath towels and hand towel

Bag of beach toys - flippers, frisby, boogie board...

Kitchen

250L F & P Fridge, 

Ceramic cooktop and oven with grill

Microwave

Toaster, kettle, rice cooker

Knives and chopping boards

Crockery, cutlery, glassware

Pots, pans, bakeware

Bin, bucket, cleaning products, apron

Living Area

Rectangular wooden table and tablecloth

Replica Hans Wegner wishbone dining chair with black leather seat

Replica Elbow dining chair with black vinyl seat

Ikea stool/side table/footstool

2 wooden table lamps, 1 Ikea Samtid standing lamp

Red sofa with grey throw. 4 cushions

4 drawer bedside unit

Blaupunkt Monaco audio system - speaker thing

Bookshelf with Australia/Sydney guide books

Noirot 100w panel/wall heater

Double bed

Mattress protector, double duvet (in 2 parts – winter/summer), bed linen, 4 pillows with pillow protectors.  Brown waffle blanket.
Indian bedcover.

Dick Smith Electronics 66cm flatscreen TV with remote & built in DVD. (GE6602)
      (USB port reportedly faulty on television)
Set top box from Optus Fetch

Canon MX430 printer/scanner/copier,  with ink (under bed)

Wardrobe

Chest of drawers

Coathangers

Desk/Bureau

Telephone with answering machine

Optus Netgear wireless modem, 2 universal adaptors, powerboard

Annexe clock

Instruction booklets for household appliances

Maps and tourist brochures, basic stationery

Box of bus/ferry/train timetables

Congratulations - you've made it to the end of the blog!  Feedback from those searching for accommodation welcome. Simply click on 'comments' below.   Did this help you decide whether or not The Annexe is for you?  Is there anything else you would have liked to know?
Remember that if you want to apply, instructions for doing so are under the post titled 'Interested'?

Thanks for looking and good luck.

Heather

Note there are half a dozen reviews on the Airbnb listing:   www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2778324