Jeremy Ivil and Kimberley Hamilton bought this spacious apartment in K' Rd's historic George Court building with eyes wide open.
They had rented an apartment in the landmark building, and had been into other apartments on different sides and levels. They knew the area well, loving the vibe of K'Rd, its collection of eclectic eateries, and having the city, Domain and motorway access close by.
With this knowledge they knew this two-level, two-bedroom, freehold apartment on the south side of the building would work well for them.
Kimberley says the benefit of living on this side, with the large windows, is having a temperate environment year-round -- they don't get direct summer sun but benefit from the lower angle of the winter sun coming through the windows.
"We have total privacy as no one can see in. We leave the windows open year-round and we never use the curtains," says Jeremy.
Kimberley says these windows are her favourite feature of the apartment.
"They stretch from floor to ceiling almost, and we get beautiful views of the sunsets."
The couple lived here for a while until renting it out while overseas. After their tenant moved out, they started renovations. Those changes have modernised the space, opening it up.
"There is still the space to make a third bedroom; giving the new buyer the potential to personalise this apartment," says Jeremy.
Image 1 of 3: Walk up the grand staircase, open the double doors and be surprised by light and space. Photos / Supplied
Appreciate the grandeur of the 1926 George Court building as you walk up the grand staircase to the second level and the double-door entrance to Jeremy and Kimberley's apartment.
The warm golden tones of the original wooden flooring from the building's time as a department store are the first thing you notice, the lines of wood leading through to the main living area, passing the laundry, stairs to the second level, a bathroom and the new kitchen from Kitchen Mania. This modern space has a 120mm engineered stone benchtop, Baumatic oven, Parmco benchtop elements and rangehood, F&P dishwasher.
A professional paint finish adds to the lightness of the apartment, with its roomy living area and then two steps leading to the second, raised living platform with large, aluminum-framed windows offering city views to Mt Albert and the Waitakeres.
The couple's renovations include taking out part of the wall by the stairs to open up this area, letting in more air and light. These stairs lead to the two carpeted bedrooms. Here, Jeremy and Kimberley removed part of the shuttered walls, replacing them with glass balustrades looking down to the living space. Discreet roller blinds ensure privacy or the rooms to be darkened. They made the tiled master en suite larger, making room for a quarter-circle shower, loo and vanity.
Kimberley says this special apartment has been their first home so it's a big thing to be selling it.
"Every apartment in George Court is different. It's just so darn pretty, there's a lot of passion.
"The building has so many owners, a mix of families, corporate workers and retired people who want access to everything in the city. We have been really happy. It's not a normal apartment it's something special, just the sheer space of it."
