Donna Fleming: A boatie's dream

L175 Pine Harbour apartments, Pine Harbour Mariner. Photo / Supplied

It's a boatie's dream — being able to walk out of your front door and be at your marina berth within minutes.

For some of the owners of boats moored at Pine Harbour Marina, that could become a reality if they buy one of 28 new apartments being built right on the water's edge in the marina.

Empire Capital, which owns the marina, is anticipating there will be a lot of interest among boaties in L175, a new high-end development they're building, which is named after its position on maritime charts.

But they're also expecting there to be a demand from non-boat owners who love the idea of being able to live in a luxury apartment in a sought-after spot right next to the sea.
"It's all about lifestyle," says David Boersen of Empire Capital.

"We think it will appeal to purchasers who want to come home and feel as if they are on holiday."

The apartments have been designed so residents will look out over the boats to the harbour and Hauraki Gulf, with Rangitoto visible in the distance from the upper levels. And because the site is so special, the apartments had to be of a certain standard, says David.

"It was important that the property reflected the quality of the location. We wanted to build something that is world-class, and everything will be very high quality."

L175 Pine Harbour apartments, Pine Harbour Mariner. Photo / Supplied

The apartments, including 14 penthouses, are located in four separate low-rise, north-facing buildings. Designed by Paul Brown, of Paul Brown Architects, they will be
constructed of concrete, steel and glass, and coloured white to complement the nearby moored boats.

There will be internal-access parking and lifts used by only a handful of other people in each building.

Each apartment is dual aspect, so there's lots of natural light. They all feature generous covered balconies that make the most of the view thanks to glass balustrades. But should residents want privacy or respite from bright sunlight, aluminium louvres can slide shut.

The elegant open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas all open out to the balconies. The master bedrooms also have the same breath-taking views and access to the balconies.

The 2.7-metre stud will create an air of spaciousness, and engineered oak wood floors in the living areas will have a yacht-like feel.

The gourmet kitchens will include wide bench tops and top-of-the-range Miele appliances, while the European-style bathrooms will feature luxurious tapware and tiles.

The penthouses will come with options for studies, media rooms or further bedrooms that can be tailored to suit the purchaser's needs.

L175 is likely to become a landmark in an area that is currently undergoing huge changes. "There is significant development in Pine Harbour, which is becoming a community in its own right," says David.

There's a new local supermarket plus plenty of shops and eateries springing up. The area is also handy to Whitford, Botany Downs and the new Ormiston town centre.

Pine Harbour is a 40 minute off-peak car trip to the city centre, but it will make sense to take advantage of the 30-minute ferry service into town, which provides an easy and more relaxing way to travel.

"I've been doing the commute while I've been working on this project and it gives you time to get more work done if necessary," David says.

L175's proximity to local attractions such as Maraetai Beach and the Formosa Golf Resort mean residents won't need to venture far from home to enjoy a variety of leisure activities.

"The area has got a lot going for it, and is only going to get better as more and more people realise what is available here," says David.

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