BODY CORP:
Annual normal levies (approx) $5126.44.
CONTACT:
Trisha Shanaghan, City Sales, 0221 645471.
AUCTION:
May 24.
As Auckland heads into winter, it's hard not to be a little envious of Jolene Bosanquet and Peter Heays when they say they live in the warmer climes of Rarotonga.
When they sold their business to move to the Cook Islands, the tourism operators decided to keep an Auckland base for themselves and family - one that would allow them to rent it out fully furnished when not in use.
They bought this apartment at The Mews in Eden Terrace in 2007. Location was a big part of the appeal, including being in the grammar zone.
They can walk to Newmarket, Queen St, Mt Eden, university and the Domain. It has good bus and rail connections and is close to the motorway. The new inner city rail loop will be accessible at Mt Eden Station.
"It is across the road from Basque Park with views of large pohutakawa and birds singing dawn chorus," says Jolene.
Another factor was the attractive design of the boutique building, built in 1997/8 in the style of Queensland resort dwellings.
Inside the fourth-floor apartment, they had the open plan kitchen, living and dining, and the two bedrooms were both spacious "and the same size, unheard of", says Jolene.
"It feels like a home, with space for art work, books, and relaxing. No need to declutter before moving in."
There are two bathrooms, one of which has laundry facilities. The sliding glass doors off the lounge and master bedroom open to the deck where there's room for a barbecue and outdoor furniture.
"There is a large hall cupboard and two roomy wardrobes for storage. This is ideal if you rent out your apartment as you have a lockable area in which to store your personal belongings," says Jolene.
Apartment 7, The Mews, 8 Basque Road, Eden Terrace. Photo / Supplied
"Then there is the two-car garaging with yet more storage facility downstairs."
She says the apartment, one of 26 in the freehold building, would be ideal for couple wanting a spare bedroom for office or visitors.
"Primarily it is an owner-occupier complex, and the security is good."
Jolene thinks The Mews raises the bar in how apartment living should be.
"Quite simply it's the best-designed and centrally located apartment complex in Auckland with heaps of extras.
"All the features one would expect when downsizing from a standalone home, without having to compromise.
"We have owned several apartments and this one ticks all the boxes and more. We have a view towards Basque Park. We get sunset hues as we are north-west facing, and it is positioned to see the Sky Tower.
"In the early morning, the sun peeps into the second bedroom and we get pleasant afternoon sun."
The building has just gone through a remedial rebuild. "It complies with all the latest 2017 requirements for a Code of Compliance and a 10-year building warranty," she says.
"The apartment is 'as new'."
The decor is freshly painted in neutral tones, there is new carpet and drapes and new Smeg appliances in the kitchen.
"New main bathroom, aluminium joinery, floor and balcony tiling, frosted-glass balustrades for privacy, and a new entry door."
The couple are selling their apartment as they couldn't resist a "nostalgic buy" - a two-bedroom Art Deco apartment in Mission Bay where Jolene grew up.
