Lofty ambitions
Art Deco apartment has inner city appeal, writes Donna McIntyre
When Chris and Philippa Whalley went looking for an apartment in Auckland in 2009, it was important that they find something within easy walking distance of Queen St, the waterfront and the Spark Arena. “That the apartment has a glimpse of the harbour was an additional bonus,” says Chris, referring to their level six apartment in the Emily Apartments building, just down the road from the grassy Emily Place reserve.
“And the close proximity of Silo Park offered town living with a green zone close by,” he says.
The building, too, with its 1920s heritage style — the age of Art Deco — and built solidly in reinforced concrete, was an attractive proposition.
Converted in 2003 to apartments on all floors, from its original purpose as offices and warehouse, it has the graciousness of its era, and the conversion has retained the two street entrances, one from Anzac Avenue and the other through Emily Place.
Chris says the two-door access “makes for a shortcut to Anzac Ave, although the building is well positioned for easy access to downtown areas”.
Chris and Philippa bought the apartment tenanted but with a long-term view to living here when they retired. “We had looked at various apartments but liked the spacious nature of this one with lofty ceilings. It has the original window frames but recently we had all the glass replaced with thicker noise-reduction material.”
The couple say they have had no problem renting it out over the years. “The current rent would be in the vicinity of $590-$600 per week,” says Chris. “The body corp and building manager offer confidence that building maintenance and improvements are taken care of.”
The apartment measures 99sq m. The high stud, reaching almost 3m, adds to the feeling of space and the large and high opening windows allow the sunlight — or a gentle breeze — to stream in.
The layout uses all available space with the door opening to a small hallway. The kitchen is on your right and then the living area’s open space has two steps leading up to a higher platform of lounge and dining with the large windows offering elevated views out to the city and water.
The large master bedroom, with its feature curved wall, offering a spacious 24.5sq m, is on the
2 1 0
6B/22 EMILY PL SIZE (more or less):
99sq m.
PRICE: $915,000.
BODY CORP: $10,195 a year (includes water usage).
INSPECT: Sunday
10.30-10.50am.
CONTACT: Aaron Cook, 021 612 642; Holly Huang, 021 1908088.
ON THE WEB: barfoot.co.nz/753532 right; and on the left is the bathroom, and the second bedroom. Bedrooms and lounge all have views over the city and harbour. At present the apartment is painted in neutrals, working well while it has been rented out, but there is scope for it to be customised by its new owners to capitalise on its New York loft-style layout and ambience.
“It is a charming period building, offering space to imprint personal design and decor,” says Chris.
And location is a big part of the appeal. “It is close to key areas in Auckland CBD, restaurants, shops, the waterfront and the Spark Arena. And it will be close to the America’s Cup action.”
He says he and Philippa have decided to sell because of a change in family circumstances. “These have changed since we purchased, and we are unlikely to need this as our retirement bolt hole.”