1A/36 ST STEPHENS AVE,
PARNELL.
KEY POINTS:
When Devon McLean and Anne Tucker decided to downsize last year from their lifestyle block, the newly retired couple were looking for a lock-and-leave city base.
"We had a property in Whitford with 4 1/2 acres (1.8ha) that took 4 1/2 hours to mow on a ride-on mower," says Devon. "We wanted to move close to the city, to a lock-up, because we wanted to travel."
This spacious St Stephens Avenue apartment fitted the bill beautifully. Yet its compact streetfront is deceptive, giving no clues to the wealth of living space inside. "It looks elegant from the outside but it doesn't look massive."
Newmarket and Parnell's cinemas and restaurants are within walking distance, and the couple catch "the green bus at the top of the hill" when they need to go into the CBD. "Saves the hassle of parking the car."
The apartment is one of seven in the building and Devon and Anne were the second-last owners to buy. Being the only apartment with access to the section, that seems odd until Devon explains that the developer had kept this apartment for himself, as he had small children who appreciated the indoor-outdoor flow, but then decided to move overseas.
Now it is Anne's two golden cocker spaniels, Tasha and Amadeus, who enjoy the garden space.
The attractive concrete building with roughcast finish was designed by Avery Team Architecture and built four years ago. Setting it off is lush vegetation - ferns, cabbage trees, jasmine, clivias and a large pin oak.
"We don't get a view of the city or the sea but we do have this very pleasant garden outside. And it's easy to manage. The lawn takes me five minutes."
The heritage pin oak especially has a place in the heart of tree enthusiast Devon, who is chairman of charitable trust Project Crimson. He talks passionately about how the project, which protects pohutukawa and rata, is trying to get "people out to appreciate what trees are about".
Artworks in the apartment reflect this interest, with a treasured work by Devon's grandmother showing Cape Reinga with pohutukawa in full bloom, and several stunning sea and landscapes by Golden Bay artist Peter Geen.
The neutral decor is perfect for displaying art work. The only alteration Devon and Anne have made was to change the colour of the dining feature wall from orange to brown, more fitting with the cream and tan colour scheme.
Access to the apartment is through the large glass security door, into the lift then across to the door of 1A. As you enter the hallway, to the left are the living areas; to the right are three large bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.
All bedrooms have a view to the garden, and the master bedroom has access to the outside. A large laundry is set up for two machines and two dryers.
The open-plan TV/living space and dining area, Italian kitchen and office also have cavity sliders, giving the option to close each area off. "That's great for families when the children might want to watch TV but the parents have friends around," says Devon. Anne's grand piano, a special 50th birthday present, takes pride of place here.
The garden and tiled outdoors area is perfect for barbecues and gatherings and the apartments share a 16m lap pool, which is heated in winter.
The Nelson-born couple are selling so they can move back to their home town to be close to their ailing parents.
