Great character and location
This ground floor apartment is spacious, has high ceilings, and is private, writes Donna McIntyre
With the greenery of trees in front of his deck and a view of the city towards the harbour bridge, Sean Cai says his city apartment offers great views and convenience. Sean bought the north- facing apartment in the 31 St Benedicts St building about three years ago.
There were a few surprises when he first saw the property — the generous space of the apartment as a whole but, in particular, the size of the bathroom.
“The bathroom is huge for an apartment,” says Sean.
He thinks another owner might consider making the bathroom smaller so they could incorporate some space into the bedroom.
He also really appreciates the green space outside his deck. “You don’t feel like you are in the city.” His freehold apartment is on the ground floor as you come through the Newton building’s entrance foyer.
Walking into Sean’s unit, the bathroom is on the left, and then the bedroom, which has two floor- toceiling- height windows looking out to the open plan kitchen, dining and living.
This generous living space opens through woodframed french doors to the deck where Sean has enjoyed barbecues in the summer and often moves his table for al fresco meals.
There is ample storage, particularly in the bedroom — two wardrobes with extra cupboard space above one of them.
“When you think of city apartments, you often think of them as being shoebox size but this is not the case,” says Sean.
“It is very spacious and it has the high ceilings. It is also very private. I can’t see the neighbours.”
The location is a huge part of the appeal. His St Benedicts St base means he is just five minutes from the CBD, Ponsonby, Newmarket and K Rd.
“It’s very convenient, and this is a nice area, upcoming, with lots of nice cafes, nice restaurants.”
He says other residents in the building’s 15 apartments tend to be young professionals.
“And very well behaved, there are no crazy all night parties,” he says. “For me, it’s a wonderful apartment. And for other city professionals, someone who wants to get into the market, like a first home buyer, it’s not crazy expensive; still affordable for the CBD area.”
The building has great character details, with that soaring ceiling space, strong pillars, feature exposed brick walls and fresh white painted walls.
“It is a well- structured building and I love its character.
“Originally it was a warehouse, built around 1908,” he says.
“It is a warm apartment but it stays cool in summer. It gets good sun, particularly in the summer.”
Sean is selling to travel overseas.