It's the views that helped sell this apartment to its current owner. Over the harbour and bridge to the north. Over the city to the Waitakeres to west. The Chelsea refinery, Bayswater, Takapuna and as far as Whangaparaoa. And the Sky Tower.
The views from the 20th floor were what Roger and Phyllis Tiang noticed when they came to view this apartment in the Altitude Building in Kingston St, intending to buy something for Phyllis' parents moving from Wellington.
The location, too, was ideal. Phyllis' parents don't drive, and they wouldn't need to if they lived in the middle of the city. Supermarkets and restaurants were all within walking distance. Plus there is a lot of outdoor space.
"Outdoors is a bonus," says Roger. "It's not pokey but it's not a million-dollar apartment either."
Phyllis says: "And that outdoors area is so private, no one can really see us."
Phyllis and Roger signed the agreement around September last year. They also started painting, laying new carpet, fitting LED lighting, and tiling the kitchen and bathroom, new tapware and benchtop in the kitchen.
The couple live in East Auckland, but have stayed here sometimes with their 2-year-old son. "The only downside about this building is there is no parking but you do have Farmers parking right across the road. It also gets a lot of sunlight," says Phyllis. And being an end apartment on the top level, they have a balcony running along two sides of the apartment, where there is generous space for entertaining, including a spa pool.
Image 1 of 3: New Year's display is next door,.
The freehold apartment has a hallway as you come in, with bedroom, then bathroom, another bedroom and then the open plan living area with kitchen. Both bedrooms open to the balcony through double doors, and the living area opens to balconies on both sides through double doors on one side, ranch slider on the other.
"You see a lot of apartments in the city that don't even have windows in the bedrooms," says Roger. "This has huge glass in each bedroom and you can open the doors and bring in fresh air."
"It's nice to wake to views," says Phyllis, "but it's also great at night when the lights come on."
They say other residents are a mix mainly of students and workers. "The people are pretty good," says Phyllis, "I have found it quiet here."
"It's definitely not student party-ville," adds Roger, "the building manager is on to it, it is well managed."
Plans for Phyllis' family to live here have been put on hold while they stay in Canada to help Phyllis' sister. So they are selling.
"We love coming to stay here; it is an indulgence," says Roger.
They imagine the apartment appealing to a young professional or a couple, someone working in the city. "Although we wanted it for elderly people, too. It has good lift access, everything within walking distance and it is good for entertaining. And you can't get much closer to the New Year's fireworks," says Roger.
"It is a combination of being a decent size, the sun and outdoors area, and being nice and high up for the views," says Phyllis. "Even my son enjoys being outside."
