Apt 706, H47, 47 Hobson Street. Photo / Supplied
706/47 HOBSON ST, AUCKLAND
Changing from character apartments to one in a newer build has been an interesting experience, says Vanessa Smith.
"I have been living in character apartments for 18 years but I've been enjoying living in this modern one with the size, the storage, internal access from the car park, and having a lift."
Vanessa bought this freehold apartment in the H47 building next to the Heritage hotel, about two years ago.
She says its 116sq m is a good size.
"All the number six apartments on each level of this building are larger. It's a really habitable size."
The kitchen, dining and lounge are open plan, with glass slider doors opening to the wide, deep balcony. Two bedrooms are off to the left side of the apartment, separated by the guest bathroom.
As you come into the apartment, there is a separate entrance Vanessa created beside the kitchen, using a part wall and textured screen.
Subtle texture is repeated throughout the apartment in the new wallpaper, flooring, lightshades and pendant lights.
More renovations include painting, the new kitchen with breakfast bar and stool. Flooring ranges from tiles in the bathrooms and kitchen, to the carpet in lounge and bedrooms.
And Vanessa has added bookshelves and concealed storage on either side of the new bio ethanol fireplace.
On the other side of the lounge, a mirror conceals the back of the laundry airing cupboard with the secondary function of separating living and bedroom/bathroom areas.
"My pet hate in apartments is they don't have enough storage, especially when people are downsizing. People have stuff they want to keep. And if you have good built-in storage, then you don't need as much furniture."
Her bedrooms have wardrobe organisers, and she added a mirrored wall and bookshelves to the guest bedroom, and bedside lighting "because you don't want to have to get out of bed to turn the light off".
The guest bathroom has a standalone bath, shower and toilet, and the main bedroom has a large shower, toilet and walk-in wardrobe.
The other area Vanessa is particularly pleased with is the balcony "more or less north-facing", and as wide as the living area, with plenty of room for outdoors furniture.
This has been Vanessa's favourite spot over the summer; the hanging chair opposite her green wall is plumped with cushions so she can enjoy a view out to Westhaven - a glass of wine in one hand, a book in the other.
With her renovation completed, it's time for Vanessa to sell and move on to the next apartment project.
It's a good way, she says, to try out different places, spaces and sizes.
She thinks this apartment would suit someone looking to downsize. Someone who wants a lock-and-leave city base.
They may also have a beach house but they want to sell the family home to free up some cash to go travelling. "There are a lot of owner-occupiers in this building.
"Or someone who is over cooking. Here, you don't have to worry as you have so many places to eat nearby. You can easily walk to the Viaduct or Britomart from here. I haven't cooked for years."
The mortgage is just the start of it.