St James pad up for grabs
Three years ago sales of apartments in the St James Church development in Wellington ‘blew away’ records for the area.
Now, one of the apartments in the restored 1880s church in Adelaide Rd, Newtown is back on the market.
It has been listed for sale by tender by Pano Focas and Andrew Brodie, of Ray White Wellington.
Focas sold the apartments first time round and said at that time that interest was ‘‘huge’’, with more than 10 tenders received for each apartment and sales over $1 million.
‘‘Prices exceeded expectations. I have never been so run off my feet in 12 years of real estate.’’
The current listing is for a twolevel, two-bedroom apartment on the sunny northwest side of the building. In keeping with the church’s history, it has a ‘‘massive’’ high ceiling, vaulted timber arches and panelling.
It also has a high-end bespoke kitchen, a second living room or third bedroom, and loft storage area.
The apartment has an RV of $1.050,000 but Focas says this is not indicative of its market value. ‘‘We are anticipating offers well in excess of that figure. The apartments are absolutely irreplaceable, and they have definitely increased in value.’’
The apartments were designed by Novak + Middleton Architects, who retained key elements of the dramatic Gothic architecture. The building was strengthened, and given new foundations and a new floor. It was also fully insulated.
Architect Simon Novak said the project provided a true and authentic renovation of the exterior. The only deviation from the original was the lowering of the windows right around the building, which is unnoticeable.
‘‘We also introduced two skylights on the roof and replaced trellis panels in the bell tower with windows.’’
The interior, however, reflects contemporary architecture trends. ‘‘To maintain authenticity, we chose to make a clear and legible distinction between the old and new,’’ the architect said.
Pano Focas said the project was a ‘‘labour of love’’ for developer Sheryl-Maree Gulliver, who has a background in the restoration of historic buildings and was passionate about maintaining the quality of the build.
‘‘Her bold vision and attention to detail right throughout the project has resulted in a high-quality product where no expense has been spared.’’
The last apartment to be sold was the 176 square-metre bell tower penthouse, which has a dramatic rose window. Tenders for the apartment close on March 7.