*CAR PARK:
$100,000 (next door at 148 Quay Street, on a separate title).
CONTACT:
Damian Piggin, 021 828 583; Daniel Horrobin, 021 595 976, Ray White.
The similarity to a Parisian building is what first attracted Vanessa Mattei to the landmark Endeans Building on the Auckland waterfront.
French-born Vanessa and her husband Fabrice live in New Caledonia and wanted an Auckland base while their son was studying at King's College.
They bought the fourth-level apartment inNovember 2010, appreciating the central location with harbour views but also that this is an exceptional heritage building.
"This apartment is unique," says Vanessa. "The building looks like a Paris building and the location is amazing. We love the sea views and the arrival and departures of the ships, it is always busy but quiet.
"You cannot find another apartment building like this one in the city, and it cannot be redone.
"It is like a living in piece of Auckland history with all the memory of the city," she says of the reinforced concrete Endeans Building designed by architects Chilwell and Trevithick and built in 1914 and 1915. The upper floors of the building were converted to apartments during the 1990s.
"We liked the apartment's space, the volume and the views. We see the harbour, the ferry buildings and Devonport," says Vanessa. "Also it is near everything like Britomart, the Viaduct, all within walking distance."
Image 1 of 4: Waterfront apartment has a touch of Parisian style, and mirrors Auckland's history.
The couple have made no changes, but they did use an interior decorator to help select furniture.
The beautiful rimu flooring stretches out across the 130sq m space, and the 4m high studs allow a mezzanine bedroom above part of the living area. Brass window frames add to the period character and charm.
The north-facing apartment has the entrance, with the master bedroom directly in front.
On the corner is a bathroom (with shower and laundry) and turning left leads to the open plan living area where the mezzanine bedroom sits above the media section of the lounge.
The large kitchen is on the right and then, continuing on, is another entrance to the master bedroom with its walk-through wardrobe into the en suite with corner spa bath and shower.
"The mezzanine bedroom was there when we bought it," says Vanessa. "It is a very useful place when you have guests, and it creates a special feeling inside and under."
The couple still come to stay periodically. They have not rented the apartment out in their absence but have had a rent appraisal done of $1100 a week long term and $400-$500 a day short-term.
"That is a very good return," says Vanessa. "The other apartments are mainly owner occupied with a few tenants. The building managers are very good, and helpful and trustworthy."
