Top shelf and terrific in Parnell

PENTHOUSE 4 30 YORK ST PARNELL

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SIZE: Apartment approx 208sq m including deck.

PRICE INDICATION: Similar properties in the area have been selling between $7500 and $9000 per sq m. Set sale closing Aug 26 (unless sold prior). Body corporate fees $12,528 pa (incl GST).

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1.30-2pm or by appointment.

ON THE WEB: kellands.co.nz/25913

SCHOOL ZONES: Parnell School, Auckland Grammar, Epsom Girls' Grammar.

CONTACT: Fleur Denning or Michael Revill, Kellands Parnell, ph 021 0272 3624 (Fleur) or 021 976 141 (Michael).

FEATURES: Just renovated two-level penthouse apartment with sunrise and harbour views, good-sized office, deck and master suite. Secure, double-grammar-zoned concrete complex with pool, spa, sauna, gym and tennis court.

Carlos Carvalho knows it sometimes pays to swim against the tide, as illustrated by his decision to build a software business in post-earthquake Christchurch. But the Brazilian-born businessman is in sync with fellow owners in adoring this Parnell apartment complex.

He's one of the original residents who bought here when the Richard Priest-designed concrete apartments were completed in 1995. Relocating a Wellington business to Auckland to make international travel easier, his purchase was based on convenience. He wanted a quality apartment within walking distance of Auckland's CBD and with easy airport access and a good-sized home office.

" Everything here turned out to be even better than I'd expected; the building, the location and the facilities, so I bought more apartments."

He's so enamoured with the double Grammar-zoned complex, he's built up a holding of four apartments here; his own penthouse, this similar penthouse and two others. He bought this penthouse early this year with long-term intentions, initially tenanting it. But he changed course and extensively renovated it to sell, wanting to realise cash to build the Christchurch business.

He understands the penthouse's charms. "We face northeast and every morning I get to see the sunrise. It's light and sunny all day and everyone who comes in sees the view and says 'wow'."

The metallic sheen of the foyer's new bronzy wallpaper glistens in the sun.

Visitors are drawn through the open-plan living-dining-kitchen by wide waterfront and harbour views, displayed through double height windows (with UV filter treatment). "I love this height" says Carlos, of the 6.1m double-height void above the living area.

This area opens to a terrace for barbecues. Its roof far above and concrete walls either side bestow shelter, quietness and privacy.

A showcase kitchen tap curves above granite benches with gas hobs. The new stainless fridge-freezer included with purchase co-ordinates with the splashback, dishwasher and wall-oven. Lacquered doors conceal a cupboard laundry. Other doors conceal generous storage, bolstered by a lock-up in the penthouse's double underground carpark.

Carlos says the large home-office (big enough for two) is well situated in the apartment.

As well as re-flooring the office with sisal, he's had the whole apartment painted; has revamped its two bathrooms and upgraded light fittings.

Upstairs has two generously sized bedrooms, a separate bathroom plus the master suite.

The en suite with walk-in shower and the bathroom with bath have been fully renovated. Both now boast floor-to-ceiling Italian tiles and motion-activated night lighting.

The master suite awakens to sunrises and has his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes, outfitted with wardrobe systems.

"You have the best of both worlds because the apartments are great inside but they're also part of a friendly community with lots of land." The secure complex with building manager has more than 6500sq m of land with a heated pool, spa, sauna, tennis court, and gym.

Carlos has been part of the body corporate for 12 years and has decided to part with this penthouse to help fund his new software business in Christchurch. "I think the people who have stayed in Christchurch are fighters. And sometimes it pays to go against the crowd."