It's been a busy year for Victoria and Joshua Ambler, selling their Waiheke home, buying a city apartment and dealing with the arrival of twin boys Lewis and Augustus.
A stressful year, too, as the babies' health started to deteriorate during the pregnancy, prompting Joshua's decision to move somewhere closer to a hospital.
A big part of the appeal of this freehold apartment in the newly converted Block 7 building in Anzac Ave was being within 2km of Auckland Hospital. Other important factors were its spaciousness and the 1920s building's heritage.
"We knew the building had survived for almost 100 years," says Victoria. "Also we love the loft feeling and high ceilings."
As no one had lived in the new apartment space, they could configure it to suit their needs.
Their unit's open plan living space practically runs the length of the apartment - apart from two windowed rooms, one a conservatory dining room, the other a bedroom. Both rooms have stacking slider glass doors that can be shut to create a glass wall.
In the lounge, Victoria opted for a projector so that when it's not in use, they have a crisp white wall that isn't dominated by a fixed screen.
At the other end of the living space is the kitchen with island bench, Eisno oven, benchtop hobs, dishwasher and fridge.
Off to the side are the couple's bedroom and a bathroom with a shower and hideaway laundry cupboard. The Amblers' is one of 24 apartments in the eight-level boutique building. "It's a nice size," Victoria says. "You get to know the other people living here; it's lovely." She says residents are mostly owner-occupiers, spread across all age groups. Some have children, some are retired and others work in the city.
And the concrete construction means the building is quiet. "The apartment is warm, dry and silent," says Victoria who tends to keep relaxed morning routines with the babies - but after feeding and sleeps are out of the way.
Block 7, 303/39 Anzac Avenue. Pictures/Supplied
She takes the twins out in their pushchair to make the most of having the city on her doorstep. Rescue dog Iggy (half-chihuahua, half-fox terrier) loves it when outings include the Domain or Victoria Park, but sometimes Victoria will meet a friend for lunch.
The train station, QuayMed medical centre and Countdown supermarket are also close by.
"It was the best decision to buy here," she says.
It helps, too, that Victoria's Waiheke-based and recently retired father bought an apartment on the sixth floor as a city pad, meaning an extra pairs of hands when he, his partner and Victoria's sister are in the building.
"That has been incredible to have them so close."
The twins are almost six months now after their worryingly early arrival at 29 weeks. Not that you would know it now as the thriving babies sleep contentedly, having allowed their mum a window of time to show Herald Homes the apartment.
"We do love it here and if we had just one baby, instead of two, we wouldn't be selling," says Victoria.
