Let modern design simplify

503/28 BALFOUR RD, PARNELL, PARNELL

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SIZE: 135sqm.

PRICE INDICATION: High $1 millions

INSPECT: Saturday/Sunday 11-11.45am, Wednesday 5-6pm.

ON THE WEB: barfoot.co.nz/507758

SCHOOL ZONES: Parnell Primary, Auckland Grammar School, Epsom Girls’ Grammar.

CONTACT: Bobby McMillan, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 021 396 767; Cindy Yu, ph 021 829 188.

If you like the idea of inner-city living, the newly competed The Balfour may well be home to the apartment of your dreams.

Perched on a ridge close to Tamaki Drive and overlooking the harbour and busy Mechanics Bay, this imposing and sophisticated structure boasts the detailed attention to style and finish that characterises other Colin Leuschke-designed properties -- including the Princes Wharf and Hilton Hotel complex.

Built in three interconnecting "pods" the building exudes quality, from the clean bright basement garage to the gym with sauna and spa-pool to the apartments themselves; each constructed from superior materials. The well-established grounds are meticulously maintained with kowhai, palms and a number of sub-tropical plantings. The complex exterior is characterised by wood-look stainless steel decorative screening.

Agent Bobby McMillan reveals that potential buyers invariably admire the stone internal staircases with their glass balustrades.

"They also like the fact that while you are comfortably close, you don't feel particularly near to your neighbours," she says. "There might only be two entrances outside the elevator on a particular floor and once you're inside, all the apartments are incredibly private."

Bobby is marketing two Balfour gems. One is a luxurious top floor pad with extensive views. Sit outside on the 19sq m balcony and watch the constant coming and going of ships and containers at the Port of Auckland or track the helicopters taking off and landing at the nearby helipad. There's room to establish a herb garden or even a raised bed for vegetables, and this is a genuine hot spot for barbecues and parties.

"It would be an amazing place for watching fireworks over the Sky Tower or even an electrical storm," she says.

This easy-care, air-conditioned abode features a luxury kitchen with top-end appliances and a gas fireplace that is seldom needed -- thanks to full-length double-glazed windows which retain the sun's warmth. Two high-spec modern bathrooms each have underfloor heating. The laundry is secreted away in the main bathroom.

Image 1 of 5: These Colin Leuschke-designed apartments look great and make life easy

Although it's officially a three double-bedroom apartment, the room closest to the kitchen, dining and living area could be used as an office.

The north-facing apartment at 303/28 Balfour Rd is a less expensive yet charming option. The star of three double bedrooms is the master suite with its amazing bathroom and walk-in wardrobe.

The kitchen is as well-equipped as its top floor neighbour and the balcony has a pleasant outlook. As with all the apartments in this complex, you're close to Parnell rose gardens, the La Cigale French market, Auckland's waterfront and the CBD. The apartment at 28 Balfour Rd is double Grammar zone, and is ideal for families with older children.