Parnell: Million dollar view

Estelle Sarney discovers an apartment on a little known clifftop with an outlook that justifies its seven-figure asking price.

1/10 Crescent Road, Parnell.

The difference between views is in their layers, and their degree of action. Some are simply double layered - there's the distance, and then sky. They're usually passive - there's little movement bar a few birds, and nothing changes except the weather. These views have their own peace and beauty, and wild weather can make them dramatic.

At the other end of the spectrum are views like the one from a new apartment block on the Parnell waterfront. Not many people know Parnell has a waterfront, but there's some along the clifftop in Crescent Road. Not many people know where Crescent Road is (it's off the far end of St Stephen's Avenue) and among those who do, most don't realise you get a view from there.

But you do, and what a view it is, one of the best in Auckland. It's multi-layered, full of action day and night, and the main reason the last remaining apartment in a block that soaks up that view can command $2.89 million.

In the foreground is the calming water of Hobson Bay, in the midfield, the main trunk railway across which a variety of trains clatter and rumble, then Tamaki Drive with its moving ribbon of cars. Beyond that is the ever-changing shipping and ferry channel on the Waitemata, flanked by North Head and Bastion Point, with a sprinkling of yachts behind the wave screens of Okahu Bay. Then it's on to the solidity of Rangitoto, and, arching above it all, the big Auckland sky.

This view could become the centre of your life - you could sit on this apartment's wide terrace and look around, across, up and down it all day. At night, unlike some views, it lights up.

Then, when you can't take it any more, you can retreat inside to a space more than twice as big as many suburban houses. There's an electric fire in the living area and a Poggenpohl kitchen with all the latest Bosch appliances. You can bring the view back in with you by opening the floor to ceiling sliding stacker doors at the edge of the living area and master bedroom.

This apartment is at the bottom of a four-level development that steps down its site. There are only four apartments and only one per floor. Two of its sister apartments recently sold for $2.5 million (3 bedrooms, 2 carparks) and $3.035 million (3 bedrooms, 3 carparks, 2 living areas). The other one sold from the plans in the early days.

This apartment is the biggest, and though it has only one living area, it is by far the most expansive. When you need to leave, Parnell and the city are just down the road. Or you could drive around the waterfront and become part of your own view.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: 263sq m plus 58sq m terrace (approx).

PRICE: $2.89 million. Body corporate fee: $9000pa (estimated).

INSPECT: Sunday 11.45-12.30pm.

CONTACT: Pene Milne or Jonathan Sissons, Kellands, ph 302 2209 bus,

021 919 940 (Pene), 021 680 086 (Jonathan).

FEATURES: Large, luxury apartment in a cul de sac on a little known clifftop with one of the best views in Auckland. Electric fire, underfloor heating, air conditioning, spa bath, storage locker, in zone for Auckland Grammar.