It's the unusual diamond shape of this apartment and its Vincent St building that you first notice. Up on level 16, Alice Poon and Antony Lai's large, quirkily shaped apartment sits one floor down from the top of Export House, a mixed-use commercial and residential tower built in 1990.
Alice and Antony bought the 256sq m freehold apartment in May 2007. Location was a drawcard -- five minutes' walk to Sky Tower and everything else the central city has to offer, just up a tree-lined road from the central police station and close to motorways, Ponsonby and university campuses.
They appreciated the expanse of interior space, being in a quiet street in the central city, the mesmerising views of city, harbour and Waitakeres, and the privacy. And having plane trees below on the street was a reassuring reminder of the seasons' changes.
They also liked that Export House started life as a commercial building as they felt that offered a quality build.
And, of course, that distinctive diamond shape, set back from the street, which allows for the changing perspectives through floor-to-ceiling windows from this grandstand position.
The views move through the whole 360 degrees, each room offering a different framed vista of the city.
Image 1 of 3: The views from the 16th floor cover 360 degrees
Coming up in the lift, you have a landing and then the door opens into the main open-plan living area with kitchen and dining, plus lounge. This is on the Vincent St side of the apartment with views over the city, Waitakere Ranges, harbour bridge and Sky Tower.
Just to the left of this main living area is a bathroom with spa bath, shower and toilet.
From the kitchen/dining, you have the home theatre, which can be hidden away by concertina doors.
Then you have the three bedrooms, plus study; the master has an en suite and walk-in wardrobe. These are on the Myers Park side of the building, with views over upper Queen St but also to the harbour. From up here, name a city landmark and you'll be able to see it.
There are only four apartments in the building, each taking a whole floor. Swipe cards are needed to get to this level.
The owners feel there is opportunity for a new owner to redevelop the space, to stamp another personality on the apartment.
Currently it has three bedrooms, an office, theatre room, two bathrooms and open-plan living areas.
There are also three secure car parks side by side, "almost the best car parks in the building", reckon Alice and Antony.
They spent the first six months finishing the change to apartment space as the conversion was only half-finished when they bought it.
Since then they have rented it out to three different tenants. Current rental appraisal is $1275 to $1375 a week unfurnished with whiteware and $1400 to $1500 fully furnished.
Alice and Antony think the apartment will suit a family or a business owner. It could also be a home and office.
