Thomasina Mouatt and her daughter, Rachelle Alexander, always had a yearning to live in downtown Auckland.
They had moved from Mount Maunganui to Auckland about a decade ago when Rachelle was setting up a business in Grey Lynn, living in an apartment in that suburb while they settled in.
"Mum did the office side of my business full time for the first five years and then part time for the last four and a half years.
"We loved it in Grey Lynn but had a desire to experience the downtown Auckland lifestyle. While we were looking to see what was available, we kept noticing advertisements for the Stamford.
"The location seemed fantastic and Mum decided to buy this apartment as it ticked so many boxes." Those boxes included being well constructed, harbour views, and an ongoing maintenance programme. And they liked the apartment's ambience. It is roomy, well organised, has good storage space and a nice kitchen with Miele appliances.
They moved into the two-bedroom apartment about four years ago. As residents, they also have use of the hotel facilities, including the indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool spa, sauna and gym, all overlooking the city.
They speak highly of the building's manager, Reece. "He goes above and beyond. He's on to all the maintenance and making sure the building is run properly," says Rachelle.
"Apartment living is a wonderful thing. It's easy to lock and leave, the security is great, and you don't have lawns or gardens to worry about."
If they want a meal, the theatre or a show, they can walk. "And the central location means you don't have to go on a motorway to get to work."
1802/26 Albert St, Auckland. Photo / Supplied
Their apartment's front door opens to an entrance area. You turn right for the kitchen, living and lounge, with glass slider doors opening to the loggia running the length of their apartment.
Turn left at the front door to the bathroom on your left, with laundry in the cupboard, the first bedroom on the right (which also has glass slider doors to the loggia) and then the master bedroom with en suite, again accessing the loggia. The bathrooms have Italian tiles on the floor and walls.
"The great thing about having the loggia is that on a summer day you can open the windows and doors and bring in the breeze, then at night you can close the glass doors and shut out any city noise," says Rachelle. "Pop on the air conditioning and you sleep like a baby."
They say other residents are friendly and if you are of a mind to socialise, regular residents' events are hosted in the hotel. "We have always had lovely neighbours," says Rachelle.
The building is also pet-friendly. "You are allowed a small dog, there are certain approved breeds. Mum and I have enjoyed that — getting in the lift and next thing there is a fluffy little white terrier or a miniature bulldog getting in."
The two have felt right at home in the Stamford but the opportunity came up to sell Rachelle's business, and they have decided to sell the apartment as well. "Three years ago, I bought a cottage in Waikato and we have been doing it up since. So, we are making a change and moving there," says Rachelle.
The apartment sale includes one secure carpark and a storage locker.
