As their Phoenix Gardens apartment goes up for sale Lynette and Conrad Saldanha look back with no regrets about living in the Grafton unit.
"We migrated here 15 years ago and bought this apartment within three months. It was the best decision we ever made," says Lynette.
That was in 2000, as they became the proud first owners of this freehold apartment built in 1999, attracted by the space of the ninth-level apartment and how well it was designed. They also knew they would use the facilities on site including the heated pool and spa, tennis court, gym, library and the pavilion, which residents can rent out for family gatherings or small parties.
"We liked how the large area the complex occupies gives a feeling of space. The good design and the maintenance of common areas gives a feeling of luxury," says Lynette. And having lived in a lot of apartments around the world, they had a decent catalogue of experiences to make comparisons.
The couple have lived here for the decade and a half since, apart from a period during 2002 to 2005 when they were working in Singapore and rented the apartment out. The apartment, decorated in tasteful neutral shades, has two bedrooms and a study; and when Lynette and Conrad have had more than two house guests to stay, they just convert their home office to a third bedroom.
Image 1 of 3: An apartment in appealingly central Grafton offers lock and leave living. Photos / Ted Baghurst
The two main bedrooms (the master bedroom has an en suite) and the open-plan kitchen/dining/living area access the east-facing covered balconies, positioned well for the morning sun and enjoying views over Mt Eden, One Tree Hill, and the Waitakeres to the right. On the left, they have the harbour, Rangitoto, the museum, Domain and Auckland Hospital.
"From my favourite recliner in the lounge I like to look out at the view, especially at the twinkling fairyland of lights at night," Lynette says.
They find the open-plan design of the kitchen and living area ideal for communication and entertaining while cooking. The kitchen's granite bench top doubles as a breakfast counter.
"We walk in the Domain, visit the Wintergarden and the museum, walk over the bridge into K Rd and Queen St. It is very handy to have the hospital so nearby," says Lynette. Another aspect they like is the lock-and-leave ease of living in the security-conscious Phoenix Gardens as they travel a lot. Plus maintenance issues are covered by the body corp and the site manager. "The building manager is excellent and has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help us as we are not really DIY types," says Lynette.
Also on the title are two car parks and spacious lock-up storage in the basement. There is a diverse mix of people living at the Phoenix Gardens - from young families through to empty nesters.
"We have a great community. We socialise at least once a month and are there for each other in times of need like illness," she says.
Lynette and Conrad are selling because "it is time for the next chapter of our lives".
