LOCK UP AND FLY AWAY
Pilot’s apartment has a Manhattan vibe but is within walking distance of some of Auckland’s best restaurants, writes Louise Richardson
As an international airline pilot for Air New Zealand, the move to apartment living made perfect sense to Mark Rainbow and his wife Yvonne. “I’m away a lot flying and now that our children have all grown up and left home, Yvonne likes to come with me, so a lock-up-and-leave sort of property like this is just ideal,” he says.
“Plus, it’s a lovely feeling having no lawns to mow!”
The couple bought their apartment eight years ago. It is in a secure and solid 10-year- old building with an elegant shared lobby, complete with chandelier.
“We chose it especially because it has such a large living space,” Yvonne explains. “We have four children plus their husbands and partners and five grandchildren, so with a family gathering we can have as many as 15 people here. I know that sounds a lot, but actually there’s plenty of room.”
Yvonne points out that the dining table seats 12 yet hardly makes a dent in the dining area.
“And we’ve also got the loggia outside,” adds Mark.
With roll- down blinds, shutters and infra-red heater this space constitutes another room, and the couple particularly enjoy using it in the mornings when it catches the sun.
The kitchen is large and well- equipped, but Mark and Yvonne tend to eat out a lot. “We’re effectively right at the intersection of Parnell and Newmarket,” she says.
“We like to have friends around for drinks then all go out to dinner. There are so many restaurants to choose from — and no dishes to wash!”
In addition to the living area, the property has two bedrooms — each with its own bathroom. There’s also a small office, although Mark and Yvonne tend to have their computer sitting in a sunny spot next to the kitchen.
Yvonne has recently overseen an extensive redecoration programme in the apartment. The colours she’s chosen are earthy and understated with inspired use of texture — particularly in the wallpapers.
“I’m very pleased with it. I wanted a New York sort of feel and I think that’s exactly what’s been achieved.”
The property is naturally warm; a heat pump makes it extra cosy in winter and there’s underfloor heating but the couple rarely find it necessary to use it. Mark is an active member of the body corporate and he describes the other residents in the block as “really lovely people”.
“It’s a very well-run building and we all get on together. There’s a small gym for residents, and it’s quite sociable!”
The apartment comes with two car parks, plus guest parking, but Yvonne confesses that she’s become a regular bus-user since moving in.
“There’s a dairy over the road and Pandoro bakery for bread and coffee. I can walk to Parnell or Newmarket shops and even into the city but if I want to go further afield, I catch the Link bus right outside the front door and I really love it!”
Mike and Yvonne are leaving this much-loved home to move to a townhouse in Orakei — where there’s space outside for their grandchildren to run around.
“They’re getting to the stage where they don’t like being stuck indoors so it seemed a logical decision. And as an added bonus, our new place is across the road from our daughter’s house so I guess we’ll be doing some babysitting!”