KEY POINTS:
APARTMENT 113,
THE POINT,
121 CUSTOMS ST WEST,
AUCKLAND CITY.
Four hands shoot up as Sue Colebrook asks her grandchildren who fancies a swim. The heated pool is one of the many treats they look forward to when they visit their grandmother, who they call Suzy, at her stunning waterfront apartment.
When they tire of the pool, they can burn some energy in the gym, or head outside with their bikes and scooters to ride around the Viaduct while parents and grandmother keep a watchful eye from the apartment's wrap-around terrace.
Sue and her husband, John, bought their prime corner apartment in the Voyager wing of The Point, overlooking the Lighter Basin, four years ago. They had been living in a large house in Orakei but were looking to move to a one-level home.
The family had always lived in places with sea views and, especially as John had been a yacht broker, they didn't want to move away from the sea. "Now we're sitting right on top of it," says Sue.
This harbourside northwest-facing corner apartment, designed by architect Craig Moller, was perfect. With its large living area, the ambience is similar to a spacious family home, without the upkeep. The terrace, with barbecue, tables and seating, is protected by adjustable timber shutters which open to let the sunshine flood in.
"It gets the sun all day long and is sheltered," says Sue, "so you can use it, even when it's windy outside."
Being on the ground floor affords the apartment added privacy too as it is positioned above the outside walkway. While Sue and her family can see out, passers-by cannot see in.
Sue enjoys the Viaduct's vitality. There is always something happening on and off the water. She and her grandchildren especially enjoy watching superyachts enter the basin.
While the apartment is within strolling distance of the Viaduct's restaurants and bars, it's also far enough away to escape noise issues. Hush glass adds further soundproofing.
Sue's children Lisa, Scott, Philippa and Matthew enjoy the location, too. Daughter Lisa says the apartment comfortably accommodates extended family gatherings. "We all come with our partners and children and it never feels crowded. We fit in very easily."
One reason the Colebrooks moved to the area was that John had a disability making walking difficult and here he could use an electric moped, stored in the carpark, to scoot around the Viaduct, out to Westhaven or to pick up fish from the market. He also enjoyed the pool, swimming laps daily.
Being free of maintenance appealed, too. Sue says the body corporate looks after everything and the on-site building manager is fantastic. "He comes as a chattel," quip her daughters.
Plus Sue feels safe here, with the building being secure and alarmed.
"You don't feel like you are in the middle of the busy Viaduct."
Entry to the apartment is through a foyer, separating bedrooms from the living area. The Colebrooks have made one wall a feature display of family photographs and it is here, too, that you first glimpse the fabulous views out through the master bedroom across the Lighter Basin.
There is an office/third bedroom on the left, then the sumptuous master bedroom with large walk-in wardrobe and luxurious bathroom and another double bedroom with en suite. The laundry and guest bathroom are on the right.
Through the doors is the living/dining area with kitchen and breakfast nook off to the side. Doors from the main bedrooms and living area all open out on to the terrace.
The apartment has a generous 2.6m ceiling height and has been beautifully decorated in subtle tones. And the kitchen is an entertainer's dream, with ample bench space and all the mod cons.
For people considering moving into an apartment from a larger family house, this is ideal as, with 285 sq m of space, there is no need to compromise or downsize.
Sadly, Sue is selling because her circumstances have changed. John died just over a year ago and she has decided to move closer to her family.