KEY POINTS:
9/338 PONSONBY ROAD, PONSONBY.
Back before coffee became a reason to go to Ponsonby, people in the know about music kept an eye on the gig list at the Gluepot pub.
This pub at the Three Lamps intersection - now converted to apartments - was a launch pad for some of New Zealand's finest rock and pop musicians. It also hosted public and private performances by some top international acts visiting the country, including the Rolling Stones.
For Gareth and Lisa Hedges an apartment in this local icon was the perfect place to set up camp when they arrived in New Zealand from Britain about five years ago. Lisa, a Kiwi on the proverbial OE, met Gareth the investment banker, and they ended up back in New Zealand.
Gareth says he wanted to feel that he was still living in a city so the apartment was perfect - and its high ceilings and airy space made him feel they weren't cooped up.
"We were in town, but also quite contained and out of the loop if we chose," he says.
The apartment has a big living space which is anchored by a practical kitchen which includes a washing machine and dryer. There's a good size pantry, plenty of cupboards and serviceable work benches.
From the kitchen the room flows to big doors which let the light in and open onto a little deck.
Lisa says it's perfect for people spotting - including celebrities meeting for coffee and cruising the boutiques.
The apartment's proximity to a slew of good cafes, restaurants and bars is another bonus. When it's time for a lie down, the apartment's bedrooms are a good size - one opens to a covered courtyard which has the potential to be turned into a nice space with potted citrus trees and even a small kitchen garden.
In summer evenings Lisa and Gareth used to sleep with the doors open.
The front bedroom also has big wardrobes and the light streams in from tall windows. The bathroom has a skylight and there is gas heating plus air conditioning for the whole apartment.
Lisa says the apartment residents all get on well and it has a nice community feel, though it is no Melrose Place.
She adds the apartment also has a big storage locker in the secure garage area.
The Hedges are sad to sell the apartment which they've had rented out to a music company chap who works from home. But with a toddler and one more on the way they've decided to look for a house with space for a family.
Even though it is on a busy street the apartment is not noisy. We were there on a Saturday morning when parking below was at a premium but hardly heard a sound. Unlike one evening more than 20 years ago when I was an enthusiastic audience member at a Toy Love concert being staged right here.
SIZE: 103sq m approx.
PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected around CV of $545,000. Sale by negotiation.
INSPECT: Today 1-1.45pm, Sat/Sun 12-12.45pm, or by appointment.
ON THE WEB: www.open2view.co.nz
155805.
CONTACT: David Simons or Dene Moss Mason, Unlimited Potential, ph David 021 2777 579,
Dene 021 567 100.
FEATURES: Light, spacious apartment in the iconic Gluepot building on Three Lamps corner. High ceilings, polished floorboards, covered courtyard, storage locker in secure garage. Views along Ponsonby Road and to the old Post Office.
