One of Auckland’s first luxury penthouses has returned to market after almost a decade – but buyers will need to double their budgets.
The two-storey apartment at the top of the Shangri La tower at 15/97 Jervois Road, in Herne Bay, last changed hands nine years ago for $4.7 million.
The owners have given the 429sqm three-bedroom pad an extensive makeover and are looking to sell for over $10 million.
The 360-degree views are the property’s defining feature. On a tour of the apartment with listing agent Ollie Wall, OneRoof was able to see the Hunua and Coromandel Ranges in the east and the Waitakere Ranges over on the west. In between, the vista included the harbour, the city’s North Shore, the Whangaparaoa peninsula and the islands of Kawau and Te Hauturu-o-Toi Little Barrier.
But it is the up-close views of Herne Bay’s tree-lined backyards, mansion roofs and hidden sections that truly fascinate.
“I’ve had a lot of property developers who are surprised at what they didn’t know about these streets, things you can only see from up here,” Wall said during the tour.
The 15-floor Shangri La was a big deal for Auckland when construction began in the 1980s. It was one of two high-rise buildings erected in the city’s traditional suburbs, and at the time, there were no height restrictions for buildings along the harbour line.
The tower was designed by Darcy Glossop, one of the era’s hottest architects. At one point, film director Lee Tamahori and rich-lister Alan Gibbs both had apartments in the plush building.
Wall suggested the Shangri La’s curves have become fashionable again. “I was in Sydney recently, and every developer has these organic curves on their new buildings now.
“People are looking at this vintage building and looking at how much space there is compared to new places. You’d struggle to find a balcony like this in brand-new apartments.”
Wall estimated the penthouse would fetch over $10m. For comparison, he pointed to a new boutique block of eight apartments further down the hill, in St Marys Bay, which is commanding similar sums.
Wall said the Shangri La was a one-off, unlikely to be repeated. “Let’s face it, no one is going to build a 15-storey building in Herne Bay any time soon. And it comes with five car parks – that is just absurd."
Wall said his clients split their home into two, using the lower floor for private living, and the upper floor as a party space with its own kitchen and guest suites.
Wall and co-listing agent Fliss Grennell said they have taken a lot of overseas buyers through the penthouse. “A lot of these foreigners have lived in apartment buildings, so there is no education needed. Let’s face it, the world is not looking great, and it makes New Zealand look even better,” Wall said.
He said part of the tour involved explaining the quirks of Auckland’s different suburbs, which can be confusing to an unfamiliar audience.
“We are showing why different suburbs are good for different people. There are schools over here, and here is where we have bars and restaurants. It’s been a lot of fun showing people from all over the world, and this is something that definitely appeals.”
It is hard to pull away from the mesmerising views, but the rest of the penthouse is just as impressive. There are marble floors on the lower level, and herringbone timber on the upper, as well as a granite-trimmed kitchen. Marble is repeated in the bathrooms and the show-stopping staircase.
The owners kept the circular floor plan completely open, so the master bedroom is next to the main living room, with lush floor-to-ceiling curtains the only barrier between them. The media room has four television screens, but those seeking quiet contemplation can find inviting seats at various windows around the apartment.
The entertaining space upstairs includes an office, a golf simulation room, and a generous dining area.
- 15/97 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland, is for sale, price on application