IT’S A LIVING THING
Big park views top this apartment experience, writes Robyn Welsh
Young families, friendly dogs, sociable neighbours and a big park across the road sounds like a model Kiwi suburban lifestyle.
Anah Jordan and Rupert Nathan have all of that without the upkeep of a suburban section, in this hideaway apartment in Eden Tce.
The green view from their first floor position is Basque Park, where they’ll often catch up with other dog owners from neighbouring apartments.
Anah has her gumboots handy in the cupboard by the front door. So do Rupert’s two daughters, aged 10 and 13, for when it’s time to walk Anah’s dog Murphy across the road.
But it wasn’t always like this here. Formerly a warehouse and a printing business, it was a gutted concrete building three years ago when Anah came looking to buy off the developer’s plans.
She liked what she saw of the concept drawings for the “Lofts on Basque” — six apartments, each with its own name. “The developer had a beautiful vision for the building with climbing plants up the side,” says Anah. “It reminded me of the Northern Club because of how the climber will eventually grow over the whole building.”
Twelve adults (including a couple of stepmums), three pre-teens, one toddler and five dogs now live in this building and Anah and Rupert, both real estate agents, relish the interactions.
A big part of that vibe has been the sense of ownership the owners have infused into the building.
Contemporary artworks in the stairwell enliven each level, creating a cohesive sense of home.
In the basement garage, there are vertical bike racks and one carpark per apartment. There is a vehicle turntable too. Anah and Rupert’s apartment has been fashioned entirely for their personal needs.
Anah turned an open alternative sitting area into a “flexi room” that has the same ceiling ventilation as the rest of the house.
She halved the laundry space without compromising functionality, enabling her to install a master en suite by the walk-in wardrobe.
Anah says she will miss the “dog friendliness in the building”. Rupert has appreciated the camaraderie throughout. “It’s quite a boutique space and we’ve made really good friends here.”
They met after Anah had moved here and now they’re keen to buy a place together.