Mornings are special in this Metropolis sub-penthouse.
"The early morning sunrise over Auckland Harbour was always great to wake up to," says owner Craig Anderson.
The Auckland-based businessman bought the freehold north-facing apartment on the 35th floor in 2009 as an investment, as well as using it as his homeoffice for a couple of years.
He considers the landmark Metropolis building with its 300-plus apartments over 38 floors to be an ideal inner city location, with a great design and quality build. "After nearly 20 years the building has stood the test of time," he says.
Craig, who owns other apartments in the building, initially had plans to convert this one into a New York-style penthouse and to live here.
"It looks north and has spectacular views over downtown Auckland, North Shore, Rangitoto and Hauraki Gulf."
He has lived in apartments in Auckland and overseas for 20 years and appreciates that "there are only five apartments on the floor so it offers a level of privacy not seen in many apartment buildings".
3504/1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland.
He thinks the apartment would suit professional workers or retirees as well as having the potential to be "the ultimate bachelor pad".
"The Metropolis has a high number of owner-occupiers now with many city workers and more and more families."
He says there are plenty of cafes and restaurants close by and two supermarkets within a five-minute walk. "The upgrade of O'Connell St and current work on Freyberg Square has and will enhance the appearance and amenity of the area. There is also quick access out of the city and on to the motorway."
His apartment, with two bedrooms and one bathroom, features high stud ceilings. Coming through the front door, you walk left into the living/dining area and look straight through to the balcony and views. Windows and ranch sliders reach from floor to ceiling.
Turning right, you have the kitchen area, bathroom and entrance to the two bedrooms.
3504/1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland.
The apartment sale includes one carpark and one storage locker -- "both valuable and convenient in a CBD apartment," says Craig.
"The storage locker is one of the largest in the building; it's been a great asset to have, and I will miss it."
He says the site management is always helpful and the body corporate "is well past the well-publicised issues it had a number of years ago". Metropolis residents have use of a 22m heated indoor pool, gym, sauna and outdoor and indoor spa pools.
Craig is selling because he is spending more time at his farm north of Whangarei. "That is where we spend our weekends and I spend quite a bit of time travelling for work, so our original plans for renovating the apartment and living there have changed.
"I have had offers to let it out as an office and have had different tenants from professional couples and a young family, to a South Island businessman who used it as his weekly crash pad."
The apartment is rented for $700 a week, and the car park brings in $85 a week.
