Details count in Surrey Crescent

Apartment 207 for sale at The Surrey, 19 Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn. Photo / NZ Herald

207 THE SURREY 19 SURREY CRES GREY LYNN

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SIZE: 100sq m plus 8sq m balcony.

PRICE INDICATION: Upwards of $550,000. Body corporate $4460.86pa. Auction November 3.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 12-12.30pm.

ON THE WEB: www.bayleys.co.nz/4101120

CONTACT: Julie Prince, Bayleys, ph 021 894 071 or 309 6020; Trent Quinton, Bayleys, ph 021 894 070 or 309 6020.

FEATURES: Luxurious freehold apartment in heart of Grey Lynn. No expense or detail spared with the planning and design, includes beautiful bathrooms and kitchen and living space laid out for maximum use of space. Plus two extra-wide side-by-side car spaces and 12.5sq m of storage space in basement.

Every detail of Simon George and Simone Powell's stunning Grey Lynn apartment is a result of careful consideration.

Simon was working for Clark Brown Architects four years ago when the firm was designing The Surrey Apartments for Bracewell Construction. Having inside knowledge of the project and knowing the company's reputation and experience, Simon leapt at the chance to buy this first-level apartment when the original purchaser pulled out. He was excited about the opportunity to put his skills as an architectural technician to use to shape his own space, explaining his job as working inside out, whereas the architects work outside in. "It worked out perfectly. I got a bare shell and was able to have my own design and now it is a complete one-off."

His goal was to make maximum use of the 100sq m, giving rooms multiple purposes while keeping design streamlined and uncluttered. He also wanted the apartment to enjoy the features larger homes have such as practicality and good storage.

His attention to detail shows from the moment you step into the apartment, coming into an entry foyer with folding doors that hide coat cupboards, library shelving, an office and storage cupboard. This is where Simone, a clinical psychologist, has her home office. But guests coming to the apartment, when all cupboard and office doors are closed, would never realise this space has a dual use.

Simon explains: "It's a personal thing, I don't like to open the door and look straight into the apartment."

This cleverly designed configuration works as a buffer, successfully keeping the study area separate from the main living space. A bathroom is just off this entry area, plus a door to the first bedroom that can also be entered from the living room. If the couple are entertaining they sometimes move the bed out of this bedroom and use it as an extra living space.

Next is the open-plan kitchen, living and dining, which opens to a balcony through sliding glass doors. Again Simon had definite ideas for this space. He designed the kitchen area with island bar, opting for European appliances, self-shutting drawers, deep cupboards and composite stone bench space. Also by the balcony, facing northwest, is the master bedroom with en suite. Both the bathrooms have an understated elegance with walk-in showers, porcelain tiling, heated floors, and Italian toilets.

Simon has spared no expense with detailing throughout the apartment, incorporating rebated skirtings, floor-to-ceiling cavity sliding doors and designer halogen down lighting.

The whole building has been finished to a high standard. Construction is mainly concrete with details such as bagged brick walls and wood detailing, plus the water feature in the shared courtyard and the electronic louvres over some windows. Simon even went the extra distance in the basement, asking for added width for his two carparks and using unallocated space to create an impressive storage/man cave. The extra expense has been worth it, says Simon, and he does wonder why he is moving. Simone has the answer ... for years she has wanted a dog and, while the apartments allow pets, they have bought a bigger place for their future puppy. "I do wonder why we are selling," says Simon, "but we want a bigger place so we are moving to a villa on the other side of Grey Lynn Park where we will start all over again."