ON OFFER:
Four 90sq m, two-bedroom apartments available in a complex of 19 one-, two- and three-bedroom units. All apartments have two bathrooms (including an en suite), balconies, views and one car parking space. Building manager on site to maintain grounds and facilities.
PRICE INDICATION:
From $1.0189 million to $1.189 million
INSPECT:
Display suite at offices of Premium Real Estate, 111 Hurstmere Rd.
CONTACT:
Alison Parker, 916 4381 or 021 983 533, or Gerry Petrie, 916 4390 or 021 923 352, Premium.
The many attributes of Takapuna have been long appreciated by the team at Legacy Property. Not only is the property development company's office located in the North Shore suburb, but several members of the team are long-term locals, including company founder Gary Gordon, and development manager Mitchell Jefferson.
Jefferson, who was born and bred in Takapuna, can't speak highly enough of everything the area has to offer.
"You've got a really great beach, you've got all these shops, cafes and restaurants you can walk to, and it's just 20 minutes on the bus into the city ... it really is a fantastic place to live," he says, and he'd know.
The location is one of the reasons why Legacy's Alba apartment building is close to the hearts of the company's staff.
And they're not surprised that most of the apartments in the 19-unit boutique block have sold off the plans. Only four two-bedroom apartments are available, which is due to be completed by the end of next year.
Mitchell says the apartments have mostly been snapped up by current North Shore residents who love the area and want to keep living there, but are downsizing. They like the appeal of urban living in a coastal setting, and having lots of amenities on their doorstep.
One popular local attraction is Fortieth and Hurstmere, a lane packed with great eateries including Bird On A Wire and Burger Burger. The Bruce Mason Centre and the Pumphouse Theatre are an easy stroll away, as is Lake Pupuke, which is ideal if you're into watersports.
And getting great views of the surrounding area seems to be another of the reasons that Alba is proving to be popular.
"The apartments have been designed so that they have views at both ends," says Jefferson. "So you can see the beach and Rangitoto in one direction, and across to the city in the other."
Each end of the apartments is fully glazed, which not only makes the most of the views but lets in lots of light.
Image 1 of 4: A development of boutique apartments in Takapuna is a hit with people looking to downsize. Illustrations / supplied
Interior designer Sonya Cotter took inspiration from the seaside location when she came up with decor -- for example the dark bathroom tiles are reminiscent of the basalt rock found along the Takapuna beachfront.
Sonya used oak flooring and timber kitchen cabinetry to create surroundings that are contemporary, fresh and airy.
The Alba has been designed by Aucklander Mike Marshall and includes features such as high studs, over-sized doors and large windows. Careful thought has gone into using space as efficiently as possible.
"For example, there are no long hallways, which can be a waste of space," says Jefferson.
Being an environmentally friendly and healthy place to live was also an important consideration. Legacy would like to achieve a Homestar 6 rating for health, sustainability and efficiency (most New Zealand homes have a rating of just 2-3) so they have included features such as higher levels of insulation, plenty of ventilation, moisture control and water efficiency measures and natural materials. Solar panels on the roof will help keep body corporate fees down.
There are only two or three apartments on each floor of the block, which Legacy deliberately wanted to be a boutique development.
"New Zealanders are still taking a while to get their heads around apartment living, and having lots of neighbours in the same building can be off-putting for some people," says Mitchell. "With Alba, it is small enough for residents to get to know their neighbours and we hope there will be a real community feeling.
"We really hope it is a place where people will love living -- it is definitely very special to us."
