Penthouse is a hidden gem

Unit 610 / 2 Tapora St, QuBA apartment, Penthouse.

610/2 TAPORA ST, PARNELL

2

2.5

2

SIZE: 150sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: $695,000

INSPECT: Viewing by appointment.

ON THE WEB: citysales.co.nz/9671

COMBINED BODY CORP FEES AND GROUND RENT: $16,300pa.

CONTACT: Gabrielle Hoffmann, City Sales, 021 021 66611, gabrielleh@city sales.co.nz

When Geoff Taylor bought this QuBA two-level penthouse apartment off the plans about eight years ago, many Aucklanders were still adapting to the idea of living in apartments, associating them with more densely populated overseas cities like New York, London and Singapore.

Fast-forward to 2016 and Geoff says apartments have come into their own in Central Auckland. Now apartments are seen as a way to enjoy inner city life or to get on the housing ladder, appealing across the board to first home buyers, students, professionals and empty nesters.

QuBA is short for "Quadrant below Anzac" and the two-level leasehold apartment sits on levels six and seven, above the five floors of Adina Hotel suites, cafes, retail businesses, offices and restaurants on the street front.

Geoff says it was the promise of "pure luxury" in a new complex next to Mahuhu ki te Rangi Park, and close to the water, that drew him to the QuBA apartments.

He says the building takes its design inspiration from European piazzas and back lanes.

"It's surprising just how quiet it is here. We're on the west side and there is no road below, just a wide boulevard walkway, so it's very peaceful."

Martin Hughes Architecture Interiors and architects Woodhams Meikle Zhan worked to produce the concept of a trendy urban precinct.

"Although the apartment comes with a tandem two-car secure covered car park, you don't really need a car to live here," says Geoff. Everything is on your doorstep -- the 24-hour Countdown supermarket, Britomart, the Viaduct ... the bars, cafes and restaurants."

His apartment has a bathroom (with Miele laundry appliances) to the right as you come in the double entrance doors. Then the living, dining, kitchen and guest room/office are on either side of the central stairway to the upper level.

"I like the central stairway as it allows for four distinct areas -- the kitchen, dining, lounge and office," says Geoff.

The double-height ceiling in the living area opens up this space, allowing natural light to stream in. Glass doors slide open to the west-facing balcony looking out to the cityscape, including the Sky Tower, with space for outdoor seating and barbecue.

Upstairs are two spacious bedrooms, n\both with en-suite bathrooms. The master bedroom opens to a private balcony with an outdoor gas fireplace; the other bedroom has shutters looking out to the double-height void of the lounge.

Geoff lived here for about three years before renting out the apartment. Its current rent is $1100 a week.

"I bought it for myself but now I have a house I have been renting it out. The tenants are leaving in a few weeks and so it's time for someone else to enjoy this great space."

"I can't see me living here again. And apartments are coming into their own now. It is time to move on."