Takapuna: Lakeside luxury

CHARLOTTE COSSAR checks out a new apartment complex on the North Shore where exceptional living is just a stroll away from, well, everything.

With a lake on one side and Takapuna Beach a couple of streets away, these spacious apartments are an ideal lifestyle choice for those wanting luxurious comfort in the heart of Auckland's North Shore.

On a large site fronting Anzac St, Killarney St and with access from Pupuke Rd, Prestige on Pupuke offers discerning buyers the perfect home alternative within walking distance of nearly everything - a lake, beach, shopping centre, theatres, sports facilities and, to top it off, fantastic eateries and bars.

Developer Erik Jorgensen says his vision was to create an opportunity for home dwellers to experience apartment living without compromising on space, quality or position.

"The idea behind the project was to create an alternative for people living in individual homes and townhouses who wanted to look at a high-quality apartment lifestyle with little compromise in space by offering them large, well-designed apartments in smaller blocks.

"And by doing the apartments it brought the dwellings together and left large, open spaces around the buildings that will be landscaped into a park-like setting."

Teaming with architects EDI, the end result is 42 residential apartments in three buildings - Rata, Pohutukawa and Kowhai - offering spacious living areas, generous-sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. However, that is just the start of what these apartments have to offer.

The intention of Prestige on Pupuke is that formally the buildings resemble three large palatial homes. Fronting Anzac and Killarney Sts, they are designed so there is an internalised pedestrian street and a landscaped arcade formed by a procession of trees that link the buildings with the communal pool.

Solid in appearance and in building material (masonry), the buildings have been styled in a conservative manner, some suggest a pared back neo-classical design.

LAYOUTS

Typically, the apartment layouts wrap around the loggia with an open-plan living space, comprising the kitchen, dining and living area, and three large double bedrooms. Many of the apartments also have a study and a separate laundry.

Says Jorgensen: "The apartments are designed for people who want the security, convenience and low maintenance that an apartment offers without compromising on quality, space or lifestyle.

"The fixtures and fittings are all of a high quality and of well-known and supported brands. For example, Hans Grohe tapware, Fisher & Paykel appliances, Trethewey granite kitchen and vanity tops, polished porcelain tiles, underfloor heating to bathrooms and en suites, a central vacuum system, and Cavalier Bremworth carpet."

The large living space opens through sliding doors to the loggia, making the transition between indoor and outdoor living seamless. This area is visually broken into three areas, with the kitchen at one end.

Sleek and solid in appearance, an island housing the DishDrawers and sink is also ideal as a breakfast bar. Not closed off from the living spaces, chefs need never be far from the action or the help of capable hands. Along the back wall is the oven, hob and rangehood, and generous storage. Some apartments also have doors opening from this area to a small terrace.

The master suite, with its separate dressing room and large en suite, can be closed off from the rest of the apartment. It is comfortable and spacious, allowing for a pleasant retreat away from the hub of the home. The en suite, complete with double vanity, shower and bath, and the dressing room are both generously sized.

The other two bedrooms, both doubles, are serviced by another bathroom, finished to the same standard as the en suite.

A separate laundry complete with hot water cupboard is an added bonus, with your appliances not taking up precious cupboard space in either the kitchen or a bathroom.

The ground-floor apartments also have outdoor living courts.

GROUNDS AND CAR PARKING

Practically eliminating cars from the complex, most of the parking is below ground, with access from Killarney St for the Pohutukawa building and Pupuke Rd for Rata and Kowhai. However, there is ample visitor parking at ground level.

Included in the grounds is a solar-heated swimming pool and a change room, all maintained through the body corp.

Offering residents lifestyle, location and style, Prestige on Pupuke will leave the apartment dwellers free to live their lives to the full.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Prestige on Pupuke, Kowhai 79 Anzac St, Rata 85 Anzac St, Pohutukawa 66 Killarney St, Takapuna.

FEATURES: 42 three- and four-bedroom apartments, some with a study, in three buildings fronting Anzac St and Killarney St; close to Lake Pupuke; main bedroom is a separate wing with dressing room and en suite; separate laundry with hot water cupboard; granite bench and vanity tops; stainless-steel appliances, including double DishDrawers, stove, hob and extractor; air conditioning; central vac; underfloor heating to bathrooms; large loggia; some apartments with outdoor living courts; solar-heated swimming pool with changing rooms and barbecue area; two car parks per apartment (all secure with a few not undercover); visitor car parks; security gates on most exits; alarms; landscaped grounds.

SIZE: From 151sq m (including deck).

PRICE: From $410,000.

AGENTS: Gerard and Karin Charteris, Barfoot & Thompson, Remuera. Ph 522 1453 ah; 021 996 622 mob. Adrian Cate, Barfoot & Thompson, Glenfield. Ph 441 6144 ah; 021 677 345 mob.