Remuera: Sticking with tradition

Inspired by Britain's gracious stately homes is this grand new apartment complex with a luxurious twist. By VICKI HOLDER.

Gone is the imposing Edwardian mansion that sat for around 100 years on the corner of Remuera and Bassett Rds. In its place will stand Norfolk Manor, a grand new apartment building, which won't look out of place among the large traditional homes nearby.

Norfolk Manor is a low-density development consisting of four levels and 11 apartments. The luxurious north-west-facing, three-bedroom units offer large living areas, separate media rooms, home offices and huge outdoor terraces. A fully appointed gym in the basement includes up-to-the-minute weight machines, a sauna and a 25m lap pool and changing rooms.

The latest project to be developed by ex-rugby league star and TV celebrity Matthew Ridge, the design was inspired by the stately homes of Britain. It will look more like one large home rather than a series of apartments, and because of the spaciousness of the development, dwellers won't feel like they're living in an apartment building.

Familiar visual links are strong vertical lines, a large, symmetrical central entry, masses of generous windows for light and a strong use of stonework for solid foundations built to last.

Mature trees will grace the gardens. As well as the huge norfolk pine that has been there for years, other large trees will be planted to form a screen that will protect the residents from traffic noise and provide privacy.

A U-shaped drive will sweep through to an enormous porte-cochere, creating a grand entry for visitors. Residents will drive straight into the basement car park (every apartment has two spaces) and take the lift to the lobby on their floor.

Designed by Architects Patterson to engender a sense of belonging in its traditional context, it will be a building worthy of its prestigious location in the heart of Auckland. Between Newmarket and Remuera shopping precincts, Norfolk Manor is along the road from Remuera Racquets club. Schools in the area include Auckland Boys and Epsom Girls Grammars. The CBD is just five minutes away and motorway access is handy.

Close to the Remuera ridge, this sunny slope on which Norfolk Manor is being built offers magical views. From the upper levels, the apartments look out to Waitemata Harbour, with Rangitoto Island and the outer Hauraki Gulf in the distance. The sight of cows grazing on the slopes to the south-east provides a calm counterpoint to the hum of city life.

A display suite set up on the site demonstrates the beautifully detailed interiors by Simone Crowe of Parenti Designo. Featuring the finest quality materials and fittings available, the suite is an example of what Crowe has in store.

The display suite features pale oak veneer cabinetry and glass doors in a huge designer kitchen with Fisher & Paykel's latest Iridium double oven, microwave and fridge-freezer. A large Corian benchtop on the long central island is designed as a work surface and breakfast bar, concealing the Fisher & Paykel Quantum DishDrawer.

Stunning pale Italian fossilstone flooring continues from the living areas into the bathrooms, which feature luxurious double showers and spacious vanities with long drawers segmented for easy storage.

Ridge has had overwhelming interest from local residents looking to downsize from their big, traditional family homes, and several of the apartments have already sold.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Cnr Remuera and Bassett Rds, Remuera.

FEATURES: Low-density apartment development in garden setting; facilities include lap pool and gym with changing rooms; car parks in basement; large living areas opening to terraces; separate media rooms; three bedrooms with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite off the master; home offices; generous storage rooms; designer kitchens; quality fittings; sea views from penthouses; close to amenities.

SIZE: From 175sq m to 211sq m, plus 85sq m terraces.

PRICE: From $1.15 million to $2.1 million for penthouse.

AGENTS: Cheryl Chisholm Paine, Emerald Gilmour and Martin Morgan, Bayleys. Ph Cheryl 021 667 778 mob; Emerald 021 651 862 mob; 520 8888 bus; Martin 025 981 999 mob; 631 1888 bus.