Remuera: Quality finish

Featuring design ideas borrowed from the Aussies, this apartment complex is big on top-dollar, custom-made finishing details. By VICKI HOLDER.

Few apartment complexes impress with the level of quality and finishing detail on offer at Stonecrest in Remuera Rd.

Working with designer Brian Cullen of Paterson Cullen Irwin Architects, developers Geoff Delautour and Peter Jones have created a superlative living environment that does justice to Stonecrest's north-facing site on the crest of the hill.

Not happy merely throwing together materials readily available off the shelf, they borrowed ideas they'd seen in Australian residences to set off the strength of the architecture. Details like the deep architrave, skirting and cornice profiles were custom-designed to give a solid yet clean look that bridges the divide between traditional and contemporary.

From the entry through to the apartment interiors - designed by Jennie Dunlop - the selection of materials is superb. You're drawn to run your fingers across the burnished copper framing around the glass doors at the entry, and you're seduced by the soft touch of suede and scumbled tiles on the lift walls.

This design sophistication is even more apparent in the large penthouse apartment, which has only been lived in for six months. It looks north through huge picture windows towards a harbour and city panorama. Everything is of an exceptional quality, including the plush, top-of-the-line, textured carpet that greets guests in the welcoming entry foyer. Even the paintwork has an exceptionally smooth, silky finish.

The apartment's generous floor-plan has the same spacious feel as a traditional family home in Remuera. A high stud and tall, solid, full-height internal doors framed by beautiful wide architraves emphasise that volume.

A broad passage from the foyer leads past the family bathroom, a separate laundry and a small guest toilet to a sweeping, open-plan living area. Configured in an L-shape, the kitchen, dining area and lounge open through sliding glass doors to a covered terrace, which allows you to dine in the fresh air while soaking up the sun and enjoying the very pleasant outlook. Sheltered from the elements, it's a perfect spot for breakfast and cocktails alike. Cream plantation shutters along the boundary provide total privacy from the neighbours.

Gleaming timber floors separate the kitchen and adjacent dining area from the lounge, where carpet and wide, cream-painted timber blinds give a more formal ambience.

Set along the opposite wall, the kitchen features plentiful, subdued taupe cabinetry. Guests can relax and take a bite to eat at the granite island bench, while chef prepares a meal on the six-burner gas hob surrounded by stainless-steel benches.

Quality Fisher & Paykel appliances include a sleek stainless-steel fridge, Quantum DishDrawer and double oven. Handy to everything, a video security intercom system lets the owners vet visitors before inviting them inside.

With its subdued colour palette dotted with sparkling halogen lights, it's a restful environment to come home to at the end of a busy day.

Two double bedrooms are to the rear of the apartment, enjoying views through large windows across the reserve to the Remuera Golf Course. In a separate wing, the master bedroom looks both north and south and basks in peace and quiet. All the rooms are fitted with hush glass to cut out any external noise.

The en suite and family bathroom are equipped with a bath and shower, as well as designer tapware. Under-floor heating beneath porcelain tiles keeps the bathrooms toasty warm in winter.

Set in beautiful, landscaped grounds, which are maintained by a manager, the apartment complex provides plenty of parking. This particular apartment comes with three-car garaging, including one enclosed garage under the building, as well as a big storage locker.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: Stonecrest, 3C, 707 Remuera Rd, Remuera.

FEATURES: As-new Brian Cullen-designed apartment with custom-designed architectural fittings; generous floor-plan; open-plan living with large, covered outdoor porch; three bedrooms including master suite with dressing room and en suite; two and a half bathrooms with under-floor heating; separate laundry; video security monitor; three-car garaging; storage locker in basement.

TENDERS CLOSE: 4pm, October 16.

AGENT: Ian McHerron, Unlimited Potential, Remuera. Ph 529 7513 bus; 021 680 471 mob.