Though apartment living is increasingly popular in Auckland and the numbers coming on-stream are impressive, some are definitely of a higher quality than others; and developer David Southcombe is especially impressed by what has been achieved at his North Apartments, on Great North Rd ridge.
His 1/1 Turakina St apartment is part of the complex; a three-bedroom, north-facing, luxury city pad with a huge 25sq m balcony with louvered roof, steel planters, and a rock wall.
Its position offers stunning views across the suburb to the Manukau Harbour while further still — in the distance — are the picturesque Waitakere Ranges.
"The really good thing about this particular spot is that it can't be built out, so you've got those views forever," says David who is also developing the new Crest Apartments on the opposite corner.
With its high ceiling and huge windows, the ground floor at 1/1 is light, bright and glamorous.
The kitchen is a top-of-the range affair by Poggenpohl of Germany, and ample cupboard and drawer space lies behind high-gloss white facings, with electric openers.
The high-end appliances will delight the most discerning cook and, with the sink positioned in the centre of a giant central island, food preparation or washing up is going to be a daily pleasure, rather than a chore, with the view to enjoy.
"We absolutely stuck to our 'nothing but the best' rule here," says David. "And I think it really shows."
The interior design is soft and neutral with colours that channel nature and an artful combination of materials from the wooden floors to the soft wool carpet.
There's storage capacity under the stairs, plenty of space for living, dining and lounging and this level has been thoughtfully designed to allow easy entertaining with room to mix and mingle.
Upstairs, with LED lighting, guiding the way, the restful decor continues in the first of three bedrooms, with a large wardrobe.
There's a second bedroom in the far corner and an elegant and surprisingly generous master suite with walk-in wardrobe and a fresh, bright en suite, with a skylight.
The main bathroom is timeless marble, with an extra-big shower, and the laundry is cute and compact.
"We've really tried to think of everything," says David.
Although the property is close to public transport, it comes with two carparks and a spacious lock-up storage unit.
David says that what he likes about the site of North Apartments is the sense of connectedness it enjoys and the fact that it's a mixed neighbourhood, with other townhouses, terraces and apartments rubbing shoulders with traditional villas.
"The world is going on all around you, yet if you do want privacy and peace you can simply close the blinds or curtains and be in your own space."
It's in zone for good schools for families but 1/1 is also an excellent proposition for empty-nesters or professionals who need a lock-up-and-leave property.
Ponsonby Rd is just a 600m walk away — and with its huge array of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, the atmosphere is cosmopolitan.
The CBD is easily accessible and Great North Rd is fast garnering new amenities, including a giant hardware store, and the local supermarket is close by, too.
