1/39 Pitt St, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
"Maurice is an architect, so we tend to be minimalists in terms of style," says Faye Langdon, describing how impressed she and her husband were when they first encountered their central city apartment — with its stylish concrete construction, two years ago.
It had been built for original owners, hairdresser Stephen Marr and his wife Lucy and had featured in Urbis magazine as an example of cutting edge urban architecture.
"We really liked that it was part of the Hopetoun Delta complex, yet completely separate with its own entrance – like a town house, really," says Faye, a business consultant who specialises in preparing and upskilling employees for the workplace of the future.
Double-height ceilings contribute to the property's appeal, with generous windows allowing light to flood in.
Faye says that this reminded them both of New York, which they love and visit often.
"It has a very SoHo feel about it."
The kitchen area is large and features a truly incredible amount of cupboard space.
"We haven't been able to fill a fraction of it," says Faye, "and wait until you see upstairs."
Informal dining takes place in the kitchen.
Faye describes the property as a party house.
"We've had a few good soirees here."
The living area is generous and keeps very warm in winter thanks to a heat pump but Faye says even that is rarely needed as there's so much natural light.
A separate room off here is currently used as a media room and home office but could be a third bedroom.
"It's great as it is, if you like Netflix, and our grandchildren love watching movies on the big screen when they come to stay," says Faye.
On the next level, reached via a dramatic floating staircase, are the second bedroom which enjoys views across the rooftops to Ponsonby, and an en suite bathroom.
The main bathroom is truly a thing to behold, and according to Faye, visitors can never believe their eyes.
Huge and very chic, with a double shower and bath, it has banks of cupboards on nearly every wall. In total there are dozens (including a particularly generous one for the laundry).
"Again, we've only used a few of them and remembering which ones, can be something of a challenge."
As might be expected, given the former owners' occupation, there's a hairdressing station and Faye says that her friends just love the idea of sitting around sipping bubbly and pampering themselves.
Finally on this floor lies the spacious, sunny master bedroom – another bright and relaxing spot.
Among other bonuses the apartment has two secure lockable garages, a private covered deck and entertaining area, a balcony and access to the central courtyard, which caters to other residents.
"It's very pleasant there, with a lovely sub-tropical garden, which is always perfectly maintained," says Faye.
As supporters of the arts, she and Maurice appreciate the easy walking distance to theatres and restaurants, and as sportspeople they love the ever-growing network of cycle tracks in the central city.
When the grandchildren are around they take them over to Myers Park to play or go for a hot chocolate in nearby K Road.
Faye says that the only reason she and Maurice have decided to leave is that another very unusual, and exciting prospect has come up nearby, and they just couldn't resist a challenge.
"It certainly doesn't mean that we don't think this place is perfect, because it really is."