Having a city apartment made life easier for Ray and Cheryl when Cheryl was working at the University of Auckland's Tamaki campus. The couple's primary home is on the Hibiscus Coast but by staying at this Eden Cres apartment she could be at the campus by train from nearby Britomart in 12 minutes. Ray, too, was happy to have a city base for events such as the writers' and lantern festivals.
They bought the freehold one-bedroom unit on the 14th level of Argent Hall in December last year.
"We thought the layout was good and the outlook is striking," says Ray. "You have that greenness of Emily Park as well as the buildings, the harbour and the bridge. And the heritage buildings around this area appealed."
Cheryl says: "Certainly the green space and the outlook. I know of other apartments that have views only of buildings. And when we were apartment hunting everyone we spoke to spoke highly of this building."
Ray has lived in the Auckland area for 35 years but apartment living has given him a new appreciation for the vibrancy of the inner city. Albert Park, the art gallery, the High Court and law school are all close. "And the waterfront, there is always something happening there. We were surprised how much we like apartment living and wouldn't rule it out for the future."
Their apartment has the bathroom off the hallway on the left as you come in, with shower, vanity and toilet.
Image 1 of 4: This pied-a-terre could not be more central, and has spectacular views
The bedroom is on the right with a large window looking out over Emily Park and the old Northern Roller Mills building, now also apartments.
A laundry cupboard has a Philco dryer and Ariston washing machine.
The hallway then opens into the open-plan living space with kitchen, dining and living. The views from this room and its north-facing balcony take in the city and harbour including the bridge to the north and, on the west side, views to the museum and Domain. Kitchen appliances include a Mitsubishi fridge freezer, Haier dishwasher and Bellini oven and ceramic benchtop hobs.
"We get the sun after the mornings and we also get the sunsets. As well as the pinkness from the sunrise over the bridge," says Cheryl.
"It is a very warm apartment and there is a great building manager," says Ray.
He says the building has been reclad to fix watertightness issues and people took that time to upgrade their apartments.
The only addition they have made is the vertical blinds.
Ray thinks the new buyer may be someone who wants to use it as a weekend base, or parents buying for their uni student children, or even newcomers to the city looking for a first base.
Cheryl now works closer to the couple's primary home, hence the apartment is on the market.
Although Ray says he is reluctant to move as he has enjoyed it so much.
"But it seemed a bit of a luxury to keep it and we are not keen on being landlords, even though the apartments in this building do get good rents."
