Auckland City
Dream address
Knowing the developer, and realising they would have to downsize one day, convinced Eric and his wife to buy into Hereford Residences three years ago. They bought the apartment off the plans — but now that it has been finished, they have changed their minds.
“We bought it because the kids were leaving home and we thought we should try apartment living but my wife is not quite ready to leave our home,” says Eric. “We did think about renting it out until we were ready; but then you have to re- paint and tidy things up after you have had tenants.”
Being a long- time sailing mate of Tawera Group project director Michael Mahoney, Eric was confident about buying off the plans.
“It’s always good to know the winemaker,” he laughs. “Tawera Group has won awards for their work and I knew they would only use quality finishes and fittings.”
The apartment he and his wife bought is northfacing and has city and harbour views. It also overlooks trees and the ivy- covered brick building at Auckland Girls’ Grammar across the road.
Eric also likes that their apartment is on the top of the podium block — the taller tower block is set some way back — so they didn't have to worry about hearing neighbours moving about upstairs.
It is on the same floor as the theatre/ billiard room, which looks out over an internal courtyard that is accessed from the gymnasium on the floor below. The slate billiard table came from the rooms of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and sits on one side of this large common room. The other side has seating and a big screen TV.
Eric says there are plans to build an infinity swimming pool and tennis court for residents.
Wide, hotel- like corridors take you to the apartment, which has an office nook to the left of the front door as you move into the open plan kitchen and living area. Neutral colours are predominant in everything from the pale flooring to the composite stone benches in the kitchen. A mirrored splashback on the back wall of the kitchen reflects the view through the north- facing windows.
Double glazing keeps the warmth in and city noise out. Sliders open to a glass- balustraded, covered balcony that has a tongue and groove sarked ceiling with downlights inset.
Off the living area is a second lounge that can be closed off with a slider and could also serve as a third bedroom.
Down the hallway are the second bedroom, which opens to the balcony, and the tiled main bathroom. The master bedroom has a walk- through wardrobe on the way to its tiled en suite.
Sliding doors open the master bedroom out to the covered balcony.
Eric says while the time isn’t right for him and his wife, new owners will enjoy the central location and having access to the vibrant K Rd precinct.