From the wall of cabinets and bookshelves in the entrance, to the cleverly fitted walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms in both bedroom suites, the apartment is as sleek as a yacht. "If he changed TVs, he had the shelves rebuilt to match," says Eugene.
Opposite the breathtaking view, the open-plan den hosted numerous sports nights around the big-screen TV or musical soirees around the concert grand piano. Lewis didn't cook much, but the kitchen is as meticulously detailed as the rest of the apartment, complete with laundry and a barbecue on the adjacent deck.
Lewis' forward-planning included a kitchenette in the guest suite, enabling live-in care to the end. In earlier years, Lewis hosted countless friends or entertained around the pool in the lush landscaped gardens. A keen amateur photographer, he arranged portraits of his friends and family along one wall of his apartment, with striking effect. Offering security when he travelled and a perfect cocoon when he was home, The Pines penthouse fitted Lewis perfectly for his last two decades.
APARTMENT 10B, THE PINES
Brian and Sue Picot were not the first residents of The Pines - a neighbour takes that honour - but they did buy their apartment in 1970, before developer Selwyn Robinson had even finished the building. "Everyone thought we were crazy buying an apartment," says Sue, "but it was like living in a normal street - only much better grounds."
The Picots were pioneers in the 10-storey building Robinson built to preserve his lovingly nurtured estate at the foot of Mt Eden. "It was such fun, a great family place," says Sue, who recalls children running around the landscaped gardens and pool. The adult tennis and cricket matches got quite competitive, but residents dropped around for drinks or shared barbecues outside.
Despite the couple's busy empty-nest lives, Brian found time to tend the garden with "Robbie". That led to the purchase of a second apartment lower down for the Picots' adult children.
Sue says the apartment was perfect for a working couple, but she also created a home for four generations. "We added lots of extra storage and opened up to the view on both sides."
Like its neighbour, the northeastern view is the star from the living room, kitchen and master bedroom. Sliding doors to the den reveal the southwestern view of Manukau Harbour. "It's lovely afternoon sun in here and beautiful sunsets from the balcony," says Sue.
A delicate Oriel window meant Brian could keep an eye on the view while he worked on his numerous commitments. "We could have big parties here for Brian's work," says Sue, "sometimes 60 people or more." Later, Sue remodelled the kitchen so she too could admire the view from the sink. The French Provincial fit-out complements the traditional fittings and chandeliers throughout. Recently widowed, Sue moves on with memories of happy times in their vertical neighbourhood.
