KEY POINTS:
8D/2 ST MARTINS LANE, GRAFTON.
The generous spaces and well-appointed kitchen first attracted Andy and Lisa Edwards to their apartment in Peace Tower when they were searching for a central city home in October 2005.
"Lots of apartments have the kitchen as a little segregated room, but I like to cook and talk to guests while they're sitting up at the bar," says Lisa. "Many apartments offer hotel-style living but this was more like a home."
It's a convivial place to live, with frequent socialising between fellow residents. Andy says there's camaraderie among the occupants of the 11 apartments seldom found in larger developments. Peace Tower was originally an office block when it was built 20 years ago, but now most of its 12 floors have been converted to private residences.
The various zones within the sprawling open plan living area are clearly defined. There's a gleaming kitchen, large sitting/entertainment space, dining area and also an enclosed space that could be used as a home office or library. The kitchen boasts granite bench-tops in variegated black and brown, dark-stained wooden cabinetry and a rich brown glass splashback. Stainless steel appliances and a trio of pendant lights inject brightness into the otherwise restrained palette.
A pale fossil-stone floor extends as far as the eye can see, throughout the living spaces and into the two bathrooms. Chocolate coloured carpet in the three bedrooms is soft underfoot.
Full-length curtains in diaphanous organza filter light by day while block-out material banishes the city lights at night. Striking feature walls in the master bedroom and the dining zone have been created with glamorous Osborne and Little wallpapers.
The occasional exposed reinforced steel joist lends an urban industrial edge.
Full-height windows allow unobstructed views of iconic Auckland landmarks. Across Grafton Gully, a vista that incorporates the museum, One Tree Hill and Mt Eden is visible from the main living area while an up-close-and-personal Sky Tower dominates the outlook from the two guest bedrooms.
"This place has the wow factor", says Lisa.
Their eighth-floor apartment serves as a major chill-out zone for this busy working couple. Andy, who says he likes to "drop the blinds, kick back and watch a movie", is happiest ensconced in front of the television, while the en suite bathroom with its spa bath and centrally piped music is Lisa's preferred retreat.
It's the proximity to key city attractions that they'll miss the most. Andy says Aotea Square is just a five-minute stroll away. They can walk to the shops and cafes of both Parnell Road and Ponsonby Road. If exercise is on the agenda, they cross Grafton Bridge and either run in the domain or tackle the summit of Mt Eden. The summer concerts in Auckland's inner city parks are virtually on the doorstep, and Lisa is already getting nostalgic about her favourite neighbourhood sushi bar on nearby K Road.
Before they moved to central Auckland, the Edwards lived in a classic Wiltshire village complete with duck pond and village green. Their next move will provide another dramatic contrast as they build a modern coastal home on their cliff-top section on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
VITAL STATISTICS:
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2
GARAGES: 3
SIZE: 158sq m.
PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected in the mid-to-high $700,000s. Auction July 18.
INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-2.45pm, or by appointment.
ON THE WEB: www.bayleys.co.nz,44688
SCHOOL ZONES: Parnell District School, Auckland Grammar, Epsom Girls Grammar.
CONTACT: Gillian Manolis, Bayleys, ph 309 6020 bus, 021 276 7693.
FEATURES: Generous apartment on the eighth floor, with views of city, Mt Eden and One Tree Hill. Master bedroom has walk-in wardrobe. Air-conditioning, surround-sound wiring.
