Being "city folk" Constance Cummings and Eddie von Dadelszen were always going to live in the Auckland CBD when they moved from Christchurch.
So in 2008 they looked to rent a new-build apartment with high spec that was close to Eddie's job as a creative director for men's fashion brand Working Style and to the University of Auckland where Constance was studying before founding Love and Object, an online store specialising in high-end vintage jewellery and accessories. Eddie is also a director of this company.
The couple rented for three years in The Stamford before waiting for the right apartment to buy in the building.
"As soon as we moved into the building we knew we didn't want to move anywhere else," says Constance. "The Stamford is renowned for having a high spec and being wonderfully maintained. We moved in our furniture and that was it -- so easy."
Constance says: "We wanted a light-filled home that felt very spacious. The floor plan was ideal for us, with the two bedrooms situated on each side of the apartment. It was important to us that they were both large as the second bedroom has functioned as a home office for the first two years of our business. Plus the cityscape views were a bonus.
"We entertain and have meetings here often for work, as the location is great and it's an excellent space for both. It can feel very formal or homely whenever we need it to. Also with it being situated at the very end of the building it feels incredibly private."
Unlike many apartments, this one has a long hallway that takes you past the laundry and powder room into a large living space with wraparound windows and city views.
The neutral colour scheme makes the spaces appear light and roomy. A good-sized kitchen with gleaming surfaces and an island workbench opens out to the living space.
Image 1 of 5: Enjoy all the CBD has to offer from this light-filled, private pad in The Stamford. Photos / Ted Baghurst
A guest bedroom with en suite is tucked off to the eastern side of the apartment and on the opposite side, in its own wing, the master bedroom has a large en suite with standalone bath.
Constance says the apartment's location and convenience have been key. "We couldn't imagine commuting far for work or not being a walk away from our favourite restaurants. We travel and it's a fantastic 'lock up and leave' apartment; we have never had to stress about its security or maintenance when we've been overseas.
"Also having the hotel at the foot of your doorstep is a huge bonus when friends or family come to visit."
The hotel also has a gym, heated pool and sauna.
"Eddie de-stresses when he works out at the gym and swims quite a lot," says Constance.
"The facilities here are fully equipped and just down the hallway so when we moved in he cancelled his gym membership.
"He works in the city and we have a business that regularly engages with local fashion media and stylists so the central location being just a walk away from luxury retailers and media offices is ideal."
She says being at the centre of the city means it's easy to enjoy what it has to offer or to escape.
"The city has also come such along way in the five years we have been in this building. It's become a mecca of amazing restaurants, cafes and shopping. You could never be bored living in a location like this with everything just a stone's throw away.
"Even though we are in the heart of the city we can be at the ferry terminal in three minutes and off to Waiheke, and feel a world away from Auckland central."
