APARTMENT 1007, 1 PARLIAMENT ST, AUCKLAND
KEY POINTS:
Seems the Statesman building in Parliament St is a bit like the Eagles' Hotel California. Once you check in, you won't want to check out.
That's what has happened to Jill Stewart. She is selling her 10th floor apartment, but only so she can move into a neighbouring unit. "I'm staying in the same building, just buying a corner apartment, not far away at all."
She bought here three years ago after first renting in the Viaduct to see if she and apartment living were suited. She tells how she was looking for a place of her own, somewhere central but not leasehold. "And I came across this," she says, gesturing towards her lounge with its city views out to the harbour and across to Devonport. "I walked in and saw the view and went, 'Wow'."
The apartment's northwest aspect means Jill enjoys plenty of natural light. "I have never used any extra heating here. It's always warm.
"And the location appealed because I run. From here I can run through the Domain, up to the rose gardens, down to the waterfront and the Viaduct."
"I love the area, in particular tree-lined Parliament St. I think it's one of the most attractive streets in the city."
The central position means Jill can stroll to cafes, restaurants, shopping at the Chancery, the Maidment and Academy theatres and the Vector Arena. Motorway access is also only minutes away for Jill's job as a sales agent; although she reckons you could easily do without a car as public transport is so accessible from this inner-city base.
Jill shares the apartment with 22-year-old daughter Laura, who also has embraced inner-city living. The apartment's layout with bedrooms on each side of the lounge works well for mum and daughter. "She can do her thing on that side and I can do my thing over here."
Entry is through the kitchen, moving into the living area with sofa and chair, coffee table and TV, then Jill's bedroom to the left and Laura's on the right (both with built-in wardrobes), by the bathroom and large storage cupboard. Jill's bedroom and the lounge both open onto the terrace where there are outdoor table and chairs. There would easily be room to have a barbecue here, too.
When Jill moved into the apartment, the decor was immaculate and she has felt no need to make changes. Walls are painted off-white, with soft beige carpet in the living areas and bedrooms, and tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen is compact yet uses the space well with ample bench area, cupboards and shelving above the bench for microwave, cookbook, coffee plunger and other kitchen essentials.
Jill says she likes the solidness and "quality" of the building and can't speak highly enough of onsite manager Tony Bartholomew. Anything that needs fixing, she just rings Tony. "He's the best. He looks after everything."
Another attraction was the building's gym, spa and pool. Jill is a regular in the gym using the cross-trainer, bikes and treadmill. She says the spa is popular, too, as is the lap pool, heated throughout the year except for the coldest winter months. And all are well-maintained thanks to Tony, who also keeps an eye on the balconies to make sure they stay uncluttered.
The building has 229 apartments with 40 per cent owner-occupied. Jill says the apartment dwellers say hi to each other in the lift and at the gym but otherwise respect each other's privacy.
That's life is at the Statesman - a bit like Hotel California, except there are no prisoners here, and you can check out. It's just that many residents choose not to.
