Live the high life
This Manhattan style penthouse on Queen Street’s ‘Golden Mile’ provided the perfect weekday residence for two Auckland professionals, Linda Miller writes.
Commanding city and harbour views, the perfect CBD location and a unique design all combine to create a city residence so enchanting that to step inside it is to fall under its spell. Owners Rob and Rick describe themselves as ‘‘dead keen on architecture and design’’ - which is why they were irresistibly drawn to this penthouse from the moment they saw it 12 years ago. That is not to say the property was perfect when they discovered it - with Rick admitting it required ‘‘a bit of work’’ to fine tune the layout to better suit the solid structure and the floor plan. Then the fun could begin, sourcing the best premium and unusual products to create a space that really is one of a kind. ‘‘The internal walls throughout are clad with a polished concrete textured sheeting. We laid the patterned surface in a variety of ways to create subtle difference whilst using the same surface. What resulted is continuous flow using linear movement, with harkings of Frank Lloyd Wright,’’ Rick proudly explains. ‘‘We designed it as our own dream apartment, with large open plan layout and very flexible living spaces.’’ He says they have also appreciated the “lock up and leave” aspect of the home, allowing them the freedom to unwind over the weekends at their country residence. Working within two blocks of their home, the ‘‘zero’’ commute nature of this apartment meant they could maximise their downtime and were able to seriously enjoy the best dining, entertainment and shopping precincts Auckland has to offer - all right on their doorstep! This apartment is an entertainer’s dream - with the ability to cater for cocktail parties with up to 130 guests with ease. The owners have hosted countless events here, including a 10 course degustation for 22 guests (while dressed in white tie and tails) and have also rented the space out to high end corporate catering companies for $1500 a night. ‘‘We entertain a lot, so having a flexible floor plate was very important. One of our best friends, Georgie was married here with almost 120 guests for her Venetian inspired wedding,’’ Rick says. Another added bonus is the incredible close-up water and cityscape views, with panoramic vistas from every room and an east facing terrace which is bathed in morning sunshine. ‘‘One of the grandchildren used to be enthralled watching the large cruise ships enter Port and tie up alongside Princes Wharf and in later years now at the new terminal. As day becomes night the city really comes alive as the light plays within the city canyons, the neon sculpture in the rear courtyard wall of the Lumley Tower is reminiscent of a sea anemone - albeit in electric blue, as it pulses gently to the vibe of the city.’’ As well as serving the needs of this professional couple, the apartment has proven itself to be suitable for harmonious family living - with daughter Danielle living here with her three children after returning from New York eight years ago. This special penthouse is now waiting for what Rick believes will be ‘‘another chapter of sublime CBD living with its next owners’’.
“As day becomes night the city really comes alive as the light plays within the city canyons.”