Space, light and landscaping

Mention the word "apartment" and most people think of a unit in a high-rise tower, possibly with a small balcony.

What they don't usually think of is a spacious home in a medium-rise complex of 84 apartments, all positioned around a large internal courtyard landscaped with grasses, trees, pebbles and a lap pool.

They will probably think of apartments reached through dingy corridors with no external light and even less fresh air. They are unlikely to think of units arranged so they all open to the outdoors and are reached by sheltered but open walkways.

They are likely to think of crammed-up, inner-city living, far from any open spaces, not of a home just two minutes' walk from Victoria Park, and an easy stroll from the Viaduct waterfront.

But the latter is exactly what this apartment in the Perspective building on College Hill offers.

Almost four years old, the steel and concrete complex is modern and human in scale, with some buildings just two units high, others five units high. A large, two-level garage is below ground, including storage units running the width of each carpark.

Rather than feeling like a somewhat utilitarian high-rise, this building has a semi-resort feel about it - not least because of the cafe at the main entrance. Residents range from young urban professionals through to older retired people, and include families with children.

On the third level of the western building in the complex, this apartment faces east. Entering from the western side, you immediately step into the modern kitchen, with clean white cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, gas hob and a granite-style benchtop. The laundry is hidden away in a cupboard on the back wall.

Past the central kitchen island is the dining and living area - large enough for an eight-seat dining suite and a full lounge suite. It faces out to an eastern view, through the ranch sliders opening on to a balcony that overlooks the courtyard below.

To the left are two double bedrooms, each with its own tiled en suite including shower and toilet. The master bedroom makes the most of its eastern wall with floor-to-ceiling glass, while the guest bedroom has a window that lets in western sunshine.

Hawkes Bay resident John Fickling saw the potential of this apartment when he bought it and another in the complex three years ago as an investment.

"They have lots of features - the inner-city living, the courtyard and the peaceful surroundings," he says.

And as a rental property, it has been a dream for landlord and tenant alike. Market rental for similar units in Perspective is $700-$725 a week.

The first tenant to move into this apartment has stayed and would like to remain if given the chance.

Mr Fickling says the apartments were always meant to be a short-term investment, and this was about the time he was intending to sell and to invest elsewhere.

Apartment 515
Perspective
28 College Hill
Freemans Bay