Parnell: Penthouse perfection

Far from your average apartment, this penthouse pad in Parnell is long on quality and short on compromises, as VICKI HOLDER reports.

When they were built, they gained a reputation as the Melrose Place of Auckland. Offering lots of amenities conducive to socialising, the York St apartments attracted a fair share of the city's hip, young professionals.

Several years on and a major exterior revamp later, it's easy to see why they're still popular.

Designed by architect Richard Priest, they exemplify the best of city living in a variety of quality apartment options. Some revel in sweeping harbour views, while others boast city panoramas.

Close to the CBD and motorway access points, they hide safely behind security gates along a quiet street. Just around the corner is Parnell village - the hip boutique, cafe, restaurant and nightclub strip.

Many of the apartments have water views, and all share the heated lap pool embraced by lush, subtropical gardens in the sunny, sheltered, central courtyard. Residents can play on an all-weather tennis court and work out at the gym, while a live-in manager takes care of any hassles.

Undoubtedly, one of the finest apartments in the complex is the space-defying garden apartment on level three. It boasts not just a slither of terrace, but a sweeping rooftop playground where there's room to run, play and do whatever you like to do outdoors. Those who love to entertain can take the party outdoors under the stars.

From the entry, creamy porcelain tiled floors unravel to spacious living areas on the lower level. The floors are heated but gas bayonets add extra warmth in winter. Sparsely decorated with crisp white walls and stronger colour accents on feature walls, a chic sense of style pervades.

A double-height dining area, which is the focus of the entertainment domain, reaches out to separate roof gardens through sliding doors. Retracting on two sides, they provide a seamless transition between the interior and outdoors. One terrace basks in the sun's morning rays, while the other bathes in afternoon sun till dusk.

Neatly trimmed acmena and lonicera hedges in planter boxes surrounding the terraces safeguard privacy, although there are no nearby neighbours high enough to gaze at residents' antics.

With no doors between rooms, the living area flows easily through to the lounge on the other side of the hallway. Guests are invited to perch at a tall bar between the lounge and a sleek kitchen with two pantries.

On the other side of the kitchen, a flexible space can be used as a family dining area or a study, depending on people's needs. Chartreuse feature walls add a daring splash of colour.

The main bedroom upstairs has its own generous deck and a dressing room big enough for a study as well. The en suite is also large and features a rolled stainless-steel bench that runs wall to wall.

The second upstairs bedroom comes with a small fitted dressing room and an en suite, while the third guest bedroom downstairs has a bathroom next door. The upper bedrooms have soft, mule-coloured wool carpet and feature walls to match.

The storage is unusually generous, not only in the dressing rooms but also in an upstairs linen cupboard big enough to stash away all your unwanted clutter.

As large as the average traditional residence, this sophisticated Parnell penthouse with so many extras lets you forget about the compromises that normally go with apartment living.

Vital statistics

ADDRESS: P7, 30 York St, Parnell.

FEATURES: Two-level rooftop apartment with city views; three bedrooms, two with en suites; bathroom; two dressing rooms; two living areas; separate dining room with double-height ceiling that opens to roof garden; irrigation system; under-floor heating on ground floor; chattels include outdoor furniture (including tubs, barbecue, lion sculptures and umbrella); two car parks; good security; shared tennis court, lap pool and gym; live-in manager.

SIZE: Floor area, including roof garden, 185sq m.

PRICE: $865,000 (CV $910,000).

AGENT: Jill John, Barfoot & Thompson, Parnell. Ph 366 0015 bus; 021 745 424 mob.