The period charm of exposed brick walls, solid wooden beams and high studs set this Newton residence apart from newer builds around the city, say owners Christine and Dennis Moorman.
The Moormans have photographs taken in the 1920s when the building was a brewery. Knowing some of that history and seeing the markings brewery workers had carved into the beams add to the historic character, says Christine.
"Some of the other apartments have steel beams but we wanted to keep the original beams. It all adds to the feeling of the building. Because of its history, the apartment has a warm, vibrant feel.
"And there's also an open fireplace that we understand the previous owners used to heat the place -- although we never have, we have only used an oil heater."
The apartment is one of five in the building (residents are a mix of owner-occupiers and renters) and all have individual exterior stairs.
Christine says there is access from St Benedicts St or Upper Queen St, and the car parks for the building are behind the freehold apartments.
"The apartment is actually extremely quiet. Because of where it is tucked away, you don't really hear anything."
Another advantage of having external access is that it makes it easier to have pets, says Christine. "We had a cat and dog and they used the cat door. There are not many apartments in the city where you get that."
Image 1 of 4: Brewery history radiates from bricks and beams.
All the living areas are on the first level of the apartment, a wide open space with beautiful wooden floors and accommodating kitchen, lounge and dining.
The lounge has a triple aspect, meaning the apartment gets all-day sun. Tall shuttered windows look out to the city environment, and French doors open to a private balcony overlooking an outdoor garden. There is also a subway-tiled bathroom with laundry on this level and a room that could be a child's bedroom or a study.
On the mezzanine level are the two generously sized carpeted double bedrooms. The master has an en suite.
The building was converted to apartments in the 1990s, and Christine and Dennis made more alterations when they bought the mid-level apartment about two-and-a-half years ago including hanging two long chandeliers from the 4.5m stud.
"And we modernised the kitchen but we were sympathetic towards the era. The kitchen island came from The Vitrine in Grey Lynn, we had a Cararra marble top [made], and put in LED lighting."
She says the central location is convenient for buses and cafes -- "I love the cafes around here" -- and it is easy to get on and off the motorways.
But now the couple is selling to build in Matakana.
"That is why we have moved out and have rented the apartment out. We could have rented it out a thousand times over but I'm not surprised, this apartment is gorgeous and it has such an open feel to it."
