SCHOOL ZONES:
Freemans Bay Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Grammar and Auckland Girls’ Grammar.
CONTACT:
Krister Samuel, Ray White, 021 470 194.
AUCTION:
August 11
Almost 30 years since the stock market crash of 1987, office buildings from that era are still being repurposed as apartments -- and that's exactly what Tim Main has done on the seventh floor of this nine-storey inner-city fringe property in Symonds Street.
"I bought it at auction and it had no tenant at the time so I was able to apply for resource consent to change its use straight away," he says. "But that turned out to be the easy part."
The building consent process for this kind of project is slow and exacting as factors such as fire protection come into play.
"As a result, I can declare that this is an incredibly safe apartment," Tim says. "It has very sensitive separate smoke and heat detectors -- so you do need to be careful when making toast. The fire door is also a good security feature."
The single level apartment is the size of a modest suburban house at 140sq m, and Tim has made the most of this space, producing a light, bright, airy apartment with loads of room for a couple or family.
Because of the existing configuration of services, Tim had the bathrooms, kitchen and separate laundry concentrated around a central core, while the three double bedrooms are arranged around the windows for warmth and sunshine. The glass is tinted for daytime privacy while blinds can be pulled down at night.
"I wanted the main part of the apartment to be very open plan," Tim says, and the living, dining and kitchen area with its handsome engineered oak floorboards is certainly testament to that vision. It enjoys great views as far afield as the harbour with Rangitoto beyond.
Simply sitting and watching traffic snake along busy Symonds St down below is surprisingly relaxing, too.
Image 1 of 5: This newly converted apartment is full of light. Photo / Ted Baghurst
"There's a brand-new air-conditioning system and the place stays warm long after the sun goes down, while fresh air is circulated constantly."
The apartment enjoys lots of storage space with a walk-in wardrobe in the master suite and generous wardrobes in the other bedrooms, too.
Having a separate laundry is an unusual perk in such properties -- where they often reside in a cupboard or are incorporated into kitchens.
As kitchens go, this one is well equipped with new Bosch oven, cooktop and range-hood, and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher and fridge.
The entertainer is truly integrated with his or her family or guests, who are certain to gravitate towards barstools at the large centre unit, to chat or enjoy a drink.
The apartment is superbly located in terms of local amenities and is an ideal spot for business people, academics and Auckland Hospital.
While practically everything is within walking distance -- including the domain, which is an ideal distraction for small children, 7/71 also comes with a single carpark. "But it's a big one and could potentially accommodate two cars," says Tim.
There's also a spacious cupboard by the apartment's front door for sports gear and other large items.
Tim undertook his project with the aim of helping three grown-up children but changes in circumstances have led to it becoming available for somebody else to reap the many benefits.
"It's the first time I've ever done something like this," says Tim.
