Freemans Bay: Who bought that house?

5/1A Centre Street, Freemans Bay.

Asking price: Interest expected above $700,000.

Sold for: $750,000.

Sold by: Maxine Lees, Ray White, Ponsonby, ph 021 659 995.

Inner-city Auckland had better brace itself for the housewarming party of the year when DJ, sound producer and publisher Jolyon Petch moves into his converted warehouse behind Victoria Park Market.

After searching for an inner-city apartment since October, Jolyon couldn't believe his luck when agent Michael Best called him about the Mal Bartleet-designed warehouse (Heraldhomes, April 16).

"I made the decision to buy in less than half an hour," says Jolyon. "It was awesome. Cool and in a creative neighbourhood, I can't wait to move in."

Jolyon was taken by the masses of space (over 200sq m, some double-height) and the clever architectural detailing - plus loads of hidden storage, clever lighting and a great stainless-steel finished kitchen for rustling up Thai meals he cooks.

The deck provides great up-close views of the market, park and the Sky Tower. He loves that the rapidly burgeoning precinct is full of creative businesses, with interesting food, designers and an about-to-be revitalised Victoria Park Market.

The apartment will also be the headquarters for his businesses. During the day, he publishes fortnightly gig guide infusion, and guest DJs on George. He may convert the apartment's basement into a sound-proof recording studio for his producing work.