Auckland City: Ship-shape

A premium property awaits at this highly sought-after waterfront location. By Charlotte Cossar.

Swanky bars, trendy eateries and a waterfront property is what summer in Auckland is all about. And what better place is there to enjoy this exciting lifestyle than at the Viaduct.

Just a stroll from your front door is all that Auckland has to offer - especially when the sun is shining.

Latitude 37, on the corner of Pakenham St East and Customs St West, is an award-winning apartment complex offering residents the ultimate in modish living.

Comprising 95 apartments in two blocks (East and West) over three levels, the complex was built in 1999 by Holdsworth Group to provide chic, convenient living without foregoing homely comforts.

One of the quintessential apartments of Latitude 37 is 2D that graces the north-west corner of the site and has incredible views of Viaduct Harbour.

Designed by Lawrence Sumich, this spacious 124sq m apartment is a luxurious city pad finished to a high standard.

The uninterrupted view of the harbour epitomises waterfront living and the marine-inspired design reminds you of your intimate relationship with the water.

Inside the apartment a calm and serene scene awaits. Stunning floorboards sweep guests through the spacious entrance. A divine space for displaying treasured art work and timeless furniture, it is hard to believe that you are in an apartment.

Void of noise, thanks to soundproofing between the apartments, and with a reverse-cycle air conditioning unit providing a constant temperature, the apartment divides into two wings.

To the left, cleverly positioned to enjoy the best of the views, the living area is an elegant space ideal for entertaining - large or small. Along the exterior wall, a large round porthole window with lattice detailing highlights the nautical theme throughout. Framing a view of the upper harbour, it also allows for an interesting pattern that changes when the sun moves from east to west.

The sleek kitchen seamlessly unfolds in one corner. Floating cabinetry affords the space a light and airy feel. Soul-soothing hues gently refresh the senses, making preparing divine offerings an enjoyable experience.

Ample cupboards and bench space prevail and intergrated appliances continue the sharpness of this functional space. To one side is a large laundry, complete with bench and sink. An ideal space for storing mounds of washing when you are too busy lapping up life in the hub of the city, it can easily be closed off from the living space.

Stepping out to the full-length balcony, the living area is extended. The cedar ceiling and lattice shutters allow the space to be utilised all year round, as well as providing a stylised environment for solitary or group entertaining.

Gorgeous chocolate-coloured curtains shut out the busy world during winter evenings and add to the bold, yet subtle, interior design.

Adjoining the living space is a bedroom, which has been cleverly designed to function as an additional living space. Custom-built cabinetry hides a pull-down, queen-size bed and slide-out bedside tables offer all the comforts of a traditional bedroom. Opening to the balcony, the room enjoys ventilation through louvre windows flanking the sliding doors.

The master bedroom also opens to the balcony, and with fitted shelving units, matching those in the second bedroom, the room is a private haven in a corner of the apartment.

To one side is the en suite. A large and impressive space, it is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. The bigger of the two bathrooms, striking tiles line the floor and walls. Except in the glass-encased shower, the wall tiles are capped with stainless steel offering a timeless appeal. Twin Ideal Standard basins with mirrors hiding a storage cabinet line one wall, and a deep bath flanked by open storage shelves complete the luxurious space.

Lattice work is repeated in the shelving, as well as in the vanity cabinets in the guest bathroom, which is finished to a similar standard.

Located in an enviable position, this apartment invites new owners to sit back and soak up the awe-inspiring views and ambience.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Apartment 2D, Latitude 37 West, 22 Pakenham St East (cnr Pakenham St East and Customs St West), Auckland.

FEATURES: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on the north-west corner of the West block of Latitude 37; full-length 12m balcony finished to resemble a ship's deck with tongue and groove cedar boarding and timber shutters; reverse-cycle air conditioning; integrated fridge-freezer; stainless-steel benchtop; pull-down bed allowing for second bedroom to be used as an additional living area; full whiteware package; two car parks; security entrance; storage locker; on-site manager; exercise facilities within walking distance.

SIZE: Floor area 124sq m.

PRICE: $880,000.

AGENT: Wendy Brennan, PM Realty. Ph 307 5818 bus; 0274 356 088 mob.