SCHOOL ZONES:
Stanmore Bay Primary, Whangaparaoa College, Wentworth School.
CONTACT:
Simon Wilde, 021 818 477, or Jenni Finlayson, 021 506 920, Bayleys.
Harold Wootten wasn't sure if his wife Lynette would like living in a warehouse apartment complete with a 110sq m workshop, so he sent her along to take a look and, to his surprise, she was impressed.
"She loved it," he says. "I go away for work quite often and she feels very safe here. There's only one door to come into the property and because of its industrial nature it's had to conform to very rigid fire safety regulations.
The Wootten name is synonymous with motor sport and the couple's son Alistair has followed in his father's footsteps -- or at least, his tyre tracks -- racing Toyotas, so a standard garage would never have cut it and the workshop has been invaluable.
Also downstairs is a large studio, with toilet facilities in which Alistair lived until recently, with loads of room for a bed, a lounge suite, and a playpen for the family's adorable little dog, Mansell.
"Alistair got quite creative, moving things around and using screens to make new spaces," says Harold.
Up polished concrete stairs on the next level lies the main -- generous and modern -- bathroom/laundry and a sunny, spacious kitchen, dining and living area. The kitchen has all mod cons including gas hobs, stainless benches and stainless appliances including dual oven, and the space has an airy, relaxed sort of industrial-chic vibe. There's a heat pump here, too, but it's rarely needed.
Another set of steps -- to the third floor -- helps keep the couple trim -- and up there is a further living area with French doors to a terrace outside -- complete with flower boxes, which is more than adequate for a barbecue and outdoor table and chairs.
"We've all enjoyed the outdoor living," says Harold. "And it's actually quite nice having no lawns to mow."
There's also a cloakroom on this floor, a large master bedroom and the third bedroom, which Harold, a fuel company manager, is using as his home office. All rooms enjoy copious cupboards.
This floor is carpeted throughout and enjoys constant sun, ensuring it stays warm in winter, and air conditioning keeps the place cool in summer.
Image 1 of 7: With a garage/workshop on the ground floor and living above, this apartment has been perfect for a motorsport-loving family.
The building is architecturally designed and made from quality concrete tilt-slab. The body corporate consists of only the three owners in the block, so it's quite a relaxed affair.
"We bump into each other on the driveway and have a quick chat about anything that's relevant," Harold says. "I don't think we've ever disagreed about anything significant."
The neighbourhood is growing at a great rate. Two major hardware stores, a car parts centre, a gym, and loads of lunchbars and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
"Saturday morning can be a bit busy but after that it goes beautifully quiet," says Harold.
"Whangaparaoa village is just up the road and we've got a couple of new supermarkets. We're right on the green belt so this could be a good choice for families too."
He and Lynette can't quite decide where in the region they'd like to buy, but their son and daughter live close by, so they don't expect to be going too far.
"I do think that we'll almost certainly go back to an ordinary house again but there are a lot of things we'll miss, not least of all the ease of simply locking up and leaving this place. It's got loads of potential could be used in any number of ways."
