Sweeping views over the city and the harbour are the obvious drawcard of this penthouse at Hobson Gardens. But the upper Hobson St location, too, sealed the deal when Richard Yang bought this spacious three-bedroom apartment in 2002.
"It is a very good location, very close to the south, north and west motorways and it's in the city living area which is good for me -- and the view, the harbour and at New Year we have people to watch the fireworks at SkyCity," he says.
Richard had been living in the apartment next door when this one came up for sale. He says the intention was to join the two apartments together.
"But my schedule has changed. My daughter is getting married and they want to live with us, and we are shifting to Te Atatu. I do miss living here, I was very happy here."
The apartment has been extensively renovated, with new paintwork, new flooring, revamped bathrooms and a new kitchen from Kitchen Studio including granite benchtops, deep red splashback, Parmco double ovens, Turbo dishwasher and F&P fridge-freezer
"We changed the layout of the kitchen as a pantry was blocking the views. We made it open-plan and a bigger space," says Richard.
The way the kitchen faces the views, and its large serving areas has also made it ideal for entertaining, with a very workable flow from kitchen to living to the deck. "We do have a large deck space, and we get all-day sun. We do enjoy these balconies," he says. "We have had parties, family here and also for my business."
Image 1 of 3: Three car parks and water vistas add to this package
He points out the high ceilings -- "the benefit of penthouse living" -- which slope subtly up to the front of the apartment and balcony.
"I think we are on the maximum height for enjoying the outside," he says of the 12th-level apartment in tower one of the two-tower complex near Spaghetti Junction.
"We are facing exactly north on this balcony off the living room and I do love the harbour and sea views."
"At night the harbour bridge is very beautiful and on this nor-western side there will be no more development to this height, the view is unobstructed."
The layout of Richard's apartment has the main open-plan living, dining and new kitchen as you come in. This area opens out to the deck. A hallway leads to the bathroom and the bedrooms, which all access decks and have large double wardrobes with extra storage on top.
Outside, on the landing by the lift, is another storage cupboard which can easily accommodate a pushbike.
The apartment comes with three carparks -- another thing Richard likes, as he has found them larger than many parks in other apartment buildings -- and there are exit/entrances to Hobson and Nelson Sts. Residents can use the gym, plus the sauna and spa, which can be booked through the on-site building manager.
"And after 10 at night some of the access is closed off and entrance is only by swipe card through the main entrance," says Richard.
The Hobson Gardens building has recently been refurbished, the windows double glazed and it has a new Code of Compliance certificate.
