You couldn't get a better apartment for a yachtie to live in, says Robyn Yarnton, referring to this sunny corner apartment on the 27th level of Quay West.
"If dad wasn't out sailing he could watch the boats from here, and he was close to Westhaven."
There's a great sightline to the popular marina and the Viaduct. During the cruise ship season, Quay West residents could watch the ships coming into the port, along with all the other harbour movements.
Robyn says her dad, Ian, lived in this apartment well into his 90s.
It suited him on so many levels; he could lock and leave it to head away on the boat knowing the apartment was secure.
"He had wanted something on one level and handy to Westhaven, that was dad's favourite place," says Robyn. He bought the apartment in 2003.
"He couldn't have bought a place and been happier."
He also liked popping into the building's cafe for a coffee, and was a regular at the Les Mills gym, as well as using the in-house gym, pool and spa pool.
"For him Quay West had all the things he needed. As you get older you don't want to have to worry about things like upkeep and safety," says Robyn.
The apartment is spacious with the large central living area flanked by master bedroom suite on one side, kitchen on the other.
The lounge, master bedroom and kitchen all access the balcony, and the expanse of windows and glass doors, plus the high stud, add to the feeling of space and light.
Image 1 of 4: An expanse of windows and a high stud make for a delightful portside home.
It was in the kitchen next to the balcony that Ian and his wife Gilda would enjoy breakfasts and read the paper, bathed in sunlight and appreciating the views. In front are the ferry buildings; Westhaven, the Viaduct and the bridge to the left.
To the right is the port, Devonport and North Head and then the islands of the gulf.
Behind the Smeg applianced kitchen is the formal dining area. On the southern side of the apartment are two more bedrooms (although Ian used one as a study) and the second tiled bathroom.
These bedrooms also have views of the city including the Skytower.
Robyn says having windows on three sides is what makes the apartment so different to so many others in the city.
"And the deck is marvellous because it is inset and you don't get the wind. Some apartments can be windy when they are this high up but the Quay West apartments don't get that same wind. You can have your doors open pretty much all year round," she says.
There is also a laundry directly beside the entrance door, at the start of the hallway which leads into the main living area.
The family has now decided to sell Ian's apartment and thinks it will appeal to someone who wants the security of apartment living and the convenience of being in the CBD. "They don't have to worry about upkeep and maintenance. People travel a lot these days so it is good to have a place you can lock and leave. It could also appeal to professional couples, expats or families," says Robyn.
