Auckland: A cut above the rest

Living New York loft style is the ultimate in convenience and comfort. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

It may sound all too familiar, however there are too few apartments in Auckland that actually scream New York. The Soho Lofts in the city's High St provide this international urban feeling so often lacking from other inner-city dwellings.

Whether it's the mix of old and new colliding beautifully to deliver the best of all worlds, or the way that the front door of the apartments opens to one of Auckland's trendiest streets, who knows? But these lofts, in a building with a solid icon-style exterior, right in the hub of the city offer a unique lifestyle not often experienced by Aucklanders.

Yes, we are a city littered with apartments but few stand out and demand respect for their heritage while offering a huge modish living space in which to enjoy all that city life can offer.

The comfy lived-in feel of the apartment almost defies the fact that it was fitted out this century and not last and epitomises how funky modern living doesn't have to be stark and cold.

The rich floorboards that flood the apartment from the front door through the bedrooms to the living areas offer the perfect canvas to dress up or down, and are crisply offset by white walls ideal for displaying modern masterpieces.

Two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office occupy one end of the home, which is linked to the living area by a long wide space housing the kitchen. Although surrounded by a host of fine eateries, if you are tempted to stay in and cook, this kitchen is perfect. Looking as if it's been designed to feature on a Jamie Oliver cooking show, it invites guests to park up, relax and enjoy. The long and wide stainless-steel island cleverly divides this lengthy, slightly narrower area, elongating the space to allow a generous width on both sides of the workbench. A light-toned veneer complements the rich darker floorboards and the extensive use of stainless steel completes the sleek space. An abundance of appliances, including Fisher & Paykel fridge, freezer and DishDrawers, and Classique five-burner gas stovetop, oven and rangehood, and space allows for exceptional entertaining in a very conducive environment.

The roomy living area that opens to a small balcony overlooking Queen St is a great space. Being almost a square and of adequate portions, arranging furnishings is a breeze. The subtle, yet simple, backdrop is ideal for accommodating any number of design styles - from almost any era - and the gas fireplace adds to the room's ambience.

Designer touches have been skilfully used as well in the groovy bathrooms that are awash with greys and blacks. Tonal differences in tiles divert the eye from the floor to the walls then to the stainless basins set in cool black cabinetry. In the master en suite, a large mosaic shower with an exceptionally large shower head emphasises how if a smaller space is used effectively, it can work. And a spa bath in the other semi-en suite allows owners the luxury of bathing in style.

Another remarkable element of this home is the amount of natural light enjoyed throughout. With windows lining almost the entire side of the apartment, remembering you have neighbours close at hand is forgotten and replaced by a sense of living in your own unique pad.

In a world that is all about living life to the full, this apartment is the perfect companion to make this aspiration a reality.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 6A, Soho Lofts, 55-57 High St, Auckland.

FEATURES: City loft apartment running east to west; two bedrooms, study, two bathrooms; entertainer's kitchen with Fisher & Paykel fridge, freezer and DishDrawers, and Classique five-burner gas stovetop, oven and rangehood; separate laundry with Fisher & Paykel washing machine and dryer; gas fireplace in living area; balcony; air conditioning; timber floors; lift access.

SIZE: Floor area 2400sq ft.

AUCTION: 2pm, May 6, on site.

AGENT: Suzanne Browne, Kellands Real Estate. Ph 302 2209 bus; 021 830 096 mob.