Suntrap even in the winter

It's hard to believe it's winter as you sit in Hunter Curd's warm inner city apartment.

The light is streaming into the living area, and the curved balcony is a suntrap. The stunning views from the 13th level encompass blue skies above, city rooflines and the sparking waters of the Waitematā Harbour.

Hunter bought the two-bedroom apartment in the Eclipse Apartments building in Vincent St, just along from the YMCA, about 18 months ago. The 180-degree views, the central location and the abundance of natural light were all reasons he was drawn to the north-facing apartment.

And this building, completed in 2009, is really well managed, he says. "I think that is the key to apartment living."

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He chose his freehold unit over leasehold apartments down by the waterfront as he prefers freehold, and also this is more central for the parts of central Auckland he likes.

He can walk to Ponsonby, K Rd, Kingsland, Newmarket, even, and the Domain. If he does feel like heading to the waterfront, it is only a 10-minute walk away.

And even though he works in South Auckland, it doesn't worry him not having a car. "I walk down to Britomart and catch a train. It would be so easy for people who are working in the CBD."

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He likes the layout of the apartment, having an entrance area as you come in, before it opens into the living area past the L-shaped kitchen.

"And this is a kitchen size rather than a kitchenette as you find in many apartments."

From the lounge, the glass slider opens to the balcony, with outdoor furniture, and those views over the city, including the Sky Tower, the harbour and gulf.

On the left side of the apartment are the bathroom, with an internal door to the first bedroom, and then the second bedroom with its windows opening to the balcony.

"I like that the toilet and bathroom are set back from the living area," says Hunter.

"It's a good size and a good general layout."

There's carpet in the living areas and bedrooms, and tiles in the bathroom and kitchen, which has Indesit appliances.

Hunter, who is on the body corp, says between a quarter and a half of the 174 apartments over 14 levels would be owner-occupied.

Residents are mainly professionals in their late 20s to early 30s with some in the older age brackets. The building's shared facilities are the heated swimming pool, gymnasium and steam room.

On such a fine and sunny winter's day, Hunter ponders out loud he's wondering why he's selling his wonderful apartment, especially now he has painted it and had new carpet laid.

But he's decided to move to a larger place in Mt Eden.

"I am still reasonably close to this part of the city."

13B/156 VINCENT ST, AUCKLAND CBD
• 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 0 parking spaces.
• 62sq m.
• Sale price: CV $610,000.
• Inspect: Phone agents.
• Body corp: $5939.12 a year.
• Contact: Julie Quinton, Bayleys, 021 894 071; Jo Darbyshire, 021 863 563, bayleys.co.nz/1653095