Often apartment owners buy units with grand designs of changing the decor or modernising their inner-city space. But Vanessa Hyde liked this Middle Courtville apartment just the way it is.
"I didn't make any changes. I loved the traditional look and feel of the living room and bathroom, the woodenfloors, the 1930s Art Deco light fittings, especially its chandelier, as well as the convenience of the modernised kitchen.
"I liked the idea of being part of one of the oldest residential buildings in New Zealand. It was built in 1914 and was one of the first purpose-built apartment buildings in the country. I also think the building is really beautiful from the street."
After living in London for five years, she wanted to live where she could walk around Auckland.
"It's easy to walk down to the great bars and cafes in Lorne St and Vulcan Lane, to Albert Park and the waterfront. I used to work in Telecom New Zealand's old office on Hereford St and loved walking up K Road to get there. That was always an interesting way to start the day."
The freehold one-bedroom apartment is one flight of stairs up on the first level at the back of the building; and has a peek of the sea.
Image 1 of 3: The nightlife of the bustling city and calming parks are a short walk away
Vanessa lived in the apartment for three years before returning to London for career reasons. She now lives in Texas with her American husband and has been renting out the apartment.
"It has always been really easy to get tenants and they've typically stayed for a number of years. Current rental was $820 a fortnight." The apartment is vacant now it is on the market.
As you come through the apartment's front door, you walk into the living room with its dark green wallpaper, traditional fireplace, chandelier and access to the balcony where Vanessa had a barbecue. This balcony looks over the communal garden space, a bonus of this three-level building along with shared space on the roof terrace.
The rest of the apartment is painted in neutral shades and has character sash windows, polished wooden flooring and wooden doors. From the living room you walk left into the kitchen. Turn left again to the bedroom and tiled bathroom.
"I used to spend a lot of time in the living room and at the kitchen table reading the papers," says Vanessa. "The sun would stream in in the morning and it was a lovely space to relax. Right in the middle of the city, but very quiet."
The modern kitchen has a stove-top, dishwasher, microwave and a fridge. "I was able to throw some pretty great dinner parties there," says Vanessa.
She says the other apartments' occupants are mostly professional singles and couples. Street parking is available with a council permit.
Vanessa is selling because she and her husband are "looking to buy our forever home in Austin. Ideally, I'd keep the flat because it's just so lovely."
She imagines her Auckland apartment will appeal to "someone who is used to city living and wants to be part of the city".
