BLOCK PARTY

In this apartment building, all residents can use the penthouse level, even if they live on the first floor, writes ERIN REILLY

It goes without saying that some inner-city apartments aren’t particularly roomy. But at one central Auckland apartment complex, residents enjoy much more space than they’ve paid for.

That’s because the whole top floor is a communal space that residents can use whenever they want.

“Most developers turn the top level of an apartment complex into a massive penthouse that they sell for a crazy amount of money,” says New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty agent Richard Burt.

“It’s very unusual for that space to be reserved and given back to the residents.

“At the Turing Building in Grey Lynn, everyone has access to the rooftop terrace and function lounge on the top floor, which they can use when they want to have friends over or host a party, or if they just want a bit more space than the four walls of their apartment provide.”

For the current owner, the best spot in the building is without a doubt this communal fourth floor.

“It’s a really beautiful place to hang out,” she says.

“During summer I like to pop upstairs and sunbake on the deck with a cocktail and take in the 360-degree views of the city. New Year’s Eve is really special because just before midnight the residents go upstairs to watch fireworks go off all over the city together.

“But I also really like the space for the solitude and extra room it gives me during the day.

“I often go up there if I’m working from home, just to change my aspect.”

The Turing Building is very

close to some of the most popular parts of central Auckland, which makes shopping local very easy.

“Having effortless access to such an array of cafes, restaurants and shopping in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn is amazing. To be honest, I do most of my shopping in Ponsonby because I can’t be bothered with the malls, and Ponsonby Rd is home to some incredible labels and brands. Everything I need is right here.”

She’s a stone’s throw away from some of the best local eateries and attractions too, not to mention some of life’s most essential conveniences.

“My favourite cafe is Postal Service which serves up fresh, organic deliciousness. I also love Cafe Viet which is just around the corner in Grey Lynn and does the best beef pho in Auckland. There’s a bottle shop, fish ’n’ chip shop, and dairy across the road from us which is great when I have friends over on a Friday night and we want to grab a treat or a nice bottle of wine.

“And Grey Lynn Park is basically at the bottom of the street which is the perfect spot to relax and unwind.”

The owner’s next move hopefully won’t be too far away.

“I want a little villa with a little garden, hopefully on the same street because I just love it here.

“I’ll be sad to leave this community because it’s such a lovely place and I’ve made lifelong friends… but I won’t be moving far.”

Sale: Auction June 19

Contact: Richard Burt, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, 021 773 187; Stewart Morgan, 021 933 305

“During summer I like to pop upstairs and sunbake on the deck with a cocktail and take in the 360-degree views of the city.”