KEY POINTS:
PARK 401 APARTMENTS, NEW NORTH ROAD, KINGSLAND.
Size: 51sq m or 56sq m.
Price indication: Smaller front apartments $410,000-$440,000; larger back apartments $445,000-$485,000.
Inspect: Sat/Sun 12.30-2pm.
On the web: www.barfoot.co.nz # 370624.
Contact: Liz McCarthy and Alan Vessey, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 307 6340, Liz 0274 991 573, Alan 021 663 000.
Features: New apartment complex in Kingsland, with 40 two-bedroom apartments. One carpark per apartment plus storage lockers. Close to Kingsland shops, railway station and Eden Park.
A decade ago if you wanted to live in Kingsland your choice was pretty much limited to bungalows or villas. But it didn't take canny developers long to realise that people were regarding the area as a cheaper alternative to Ponsonby and Grey Lynn and wanted affordable, low maintenance places to live in. Soon apartment blocks began appearing on and around New North Rd.
Park 401 is the latest one. The complex of 40, two-bedroom apartments is constructed on a site that for many years housed a petrol station.
A developer recognised the site's potential - a stone's throw from the Kingsland shops and cafes, railway station and Eden Park - and decided to put up apartments.
However, that firm went under and construction company CMP stepped in to take on the project. General manager Mike van Luyt says CMP knows the area well. It built the Kingsland Apartments at 435 New North Rd, and others in nearby Eden Terrace and Grey Lynn.
"It's close to the city, the public transport is good and the shops and restaurants in Kingsland have become very popular. And it's more affordable for people who've been priced out of Parnell and Ponsonby but still want to live in the city fringes."
There are 10 compact and well-designed apartments on each of the four levels. The apartments facing the road are slightly smaller than those at the back and have one bathroom. Those at the back are 5sq m bigger and have an en suite and a main bathroom. All apartments have decks off the living area and main bedrooms. Some can accommodate a table and chairs, barbecue and sun loungers. Views across to the Waitakere Ranges are one of the drawcards of the rear apartments.
The decor is stylish and modern. The clean lines and neutral backgrounds give the new owners scope to furnish the homes to suit their taste and personality.
The kitchens are sleek and feature integrated fridges and double dishwasher drawers. They have chunky acrylic benchtops and built-in wine shelves flanking the stainless steel ovens.
"The good thing about being the builder and the developer is that you can see things that can add value," says Mike. All apartments include space in the bathroom for a washing machine and dryer and there are double wardrobes with mirrored doors in all the bedrooms.
CMP has made Park 401 as leak-proof as possible. The outside walls are concrete - the only bit of cladding is on walls that face into the communal access areas, which are under cover.
"There's a double membrane on the roof and more outlets for rainwater than necessary," says Mike.
"We've spent a lot of time sorting out the little details so you don't get leaks. This place is built to last."
