SCHOOL ZONES:
Freemans Bay Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs College, Auckland Girls Grammar
CONTACT:
Steve Williams and Caroline Yau, Ray White, ph 027 295 6153 or 520 7669 (Steve) or 021 618 211 or 520 7269
Auckland couple Kaye and Theo watched with interest as building work was carried out on a well-known neighbouring property 10 years ago.
The pair, who were then living down the road in historic Westminster Court, next to the Auckland High Court, followed the progress of the apartments being added to the hotel once known as the "Big I" (for Hotel Intercontinental) and later the Hyatt.
Big fans of apartment living, they didn't waste any time buying a duplex on the 17th floor of what is now known as the Pullman residences.
"It was good not having too far to go," says Kaye, recalling their move in 2003.
Their next shift was even easier. Keen to have an apartment all on one floor, but reluctant to move from the Pullman, in 2005 they managed to do a swap of sorts with another resident, buying his apartment three levels down on the 14th floor. He then moved into their duplex.
"It all worked out perfectly," says Kaye. "This apartment had everything we wanted. We couldn't have asked for better."
Not only is it spacious, stylish and luxurious, but it has breathtaking 180-degree views of the city and the harbour, Devonport, Rangitoto and Waiheke.
Wrap-around balconies face east, west and north, so it is easy to follow the sun.
"As soon as we walked in, I loved the fact that it was so light," says Kaye.
"And you never get tired of the view. There's always something going on in the harbour."
The apartment had won the 2004 Designers Institute of New Zealand award for best interior design and Theo and Kaye appreciated not only the tasteful decor -- the crisp white walls are perfect for showing off their art -- but also clever touches such as opaque glass sliding doors.
"So much thought has gone into the small details, which make a big difference," says Kaye.
The open-plan layout makes the most of the outlook.
The designer kitchen at one end of the living space has an enormous island where guests can sit and chat to the chef. The dining area faces north and there's even enough space between it and the kitchen for a baby grand piano.
The large living area has a gas fire and opens up to both the north and west facing decks. There's plenty of space for entertaining inside and out, and the apartment has been the venue for several memorable occasions, including a 21st party for Kaye's nephew and nieces, who are triplets. A pianist was hired for the event and the hotel kitchen catered.
"It was an amazing party -- we were very lucky," says nephew Peter.
The generous master bedroom opens to the east-facing deck, so gets the morning sun, and the cleverly designed en suite has sliding opaque glass doors that can be opened so you can lie in the bath and look through the bedroom to the view.
The guest bedroom also leads out to a deck and has its own enormous en suite. There is also a separate study, a powder room and a large utility room/laundry. Ample storage is another feature of the immaculately maintained apartment.
"We travelled a lot and stayed in some very nice places, but when you came home it was just as good here," says Kaye. "I think the thing that surprises many people about this place is how private and quiet it is. You're so close to everything yet there's no noise."
Image 1 of 6: Herald Homes
Suite 1457, 6 Princes Street, Auckland Central.
30 October 2014 NZ Heald photo by Ted Baghurst.
It's a short stroll down to Britomart, with its great selection of restaurants and bars, and Queen St, Albert Park and Auckland University are also a stone's throw away.
The body corporate fees include two memberships to the Pullman spa, which includes a 25m pool and a gym. As well as three parking spaces, there's also lock-up storage in the garage.
Theo died last year, and Kaye is now leaving Auckland to live closer to family.
"It really has been a very special place to live, and it is quite hard to leave it," says Kaye. "There can't be too many apartments in Auckland like this one."
