I know it's a cliche," says James Dreyer, but "location, location, location" is why he bought this seventh-floor sub-penthouse in the Emily Place building called The Britomart.
"Many years ago, I visited and fell in love with the Courtville Building on Courthouse Lane. It became a dream to own a character apartment.
"When I was ready to buy my first property, we visited a number of character spaces around the city and this seemed to have the perfect location, expansive size, and it felt right. It also had the potential for quality renovation enhancing the character feel.
"We purchased from retirees who had lived in it for many years. The building's tenants include city professionals ... as well as students and families."
James says the 1920s concrete building is called The Britomart because it is built on central Auckland City's northernmost point of non-reclaimed, non-leasehold land, once called Point Britomart. "There is great history in the area and right under our feet," he says.
The building had been commercial trading offices and warehousing but, around the late 80s/early 90s, the top level was added and the building was converted into 14 apartments. There are 10 levels counting from the Beach Rd side; the lower two are commercial space. From the Emily Place side, there are eight levels of residential.
Image 1 of 3: Location, character, space plus a great heritage are big drawcards for astute buyers
James bought the north-facing apartment in 2009 intending to live here but his work involves living and working on a ship and he has travelled for the last decade."There have been three tenants, and never more than a week or so between them. Our last tenants were paying $950 a week and, as we put the apartment on the market, they purchased in another character building on Emily Place. That's how good the area is.
"The address scores 99/100 in its walk and cycle score. Minutes away are Auckland's best shopping, restaurants, bars, Countdown, Les Mills, Auckland University, Albert Park, ferry terminals and the Viaduct. Stanley St motorway onramp is less than 1km away."
The two-level apartment is more than 200sq m, including the balcony. The entrance brings you into a high studded hallway. Passing the stairs and bathroom, are the master suite with walk-through wardrobe and en suite with a large bath, twin sinks and shower. The second bedroom has a large wardrobe. A dominant feature on this level are original steel-framed windows with modern sliding glazing on the inside, creating efficient double glazing and adding acoustic insulation.
Upstairs is another bedroom, the open plan lounge and granite-benched kitchen, with a vaulted ceiling over the dining area and three double doors opening to the full-width balcony. There is a section view, between the Scene buildings, of the harbour, Mt Victoria and Rangitoto.
"It feels like a family home rather than an apartment," says James.
He is selling because he intends to keep working overseas. "However, I am lucky enough to own the penthouse next door and will not be letting that go!
"This apartment would suit all purchasers. Given the current Auckland property market, we do feel the value for money is immense, considering the size and location."
