Make the most of this top capital spot

TENDERS CLOSE on August 3 for a versatile Oriental Bay apartment with two entrances and potential to capitalise on in a prime location.

The 150-square-metre residence, at 3/178 Oriental Pde, is one of only five apartments in the Matai Moana building in the city end of the bay.

It has three-to-four bedrooms and faces northeast, with the harbour view stretching from the sweep of the bay towards Roseneath and as far north as the Tararua range.

The two-level apartment occupies the third level of the boutique 1960s complex and the sale includes a car park in the ground-level garage.

Unusually, it has two kitchens – one upstairs, the other down – and can be accessed from both the front door and another external door on the upper level.

With a bathroom on each level as well, this means the apartment’s flexible configuration could be used for working from home, separate rental or independent living for extended families.

The front door opens into an entrance hall with storage and, to the left, a dated kitchen with an electric range and dishwasher.

The living/dining area is openplan, has superbly framed bay and harbour views, and adjoins what could be a formal dining room or an extra bedroom.

The first of the formal bedrooms has a triple wardrobe with storage above and shares a similar view to the living/dining area. Also on this level are a laundry, a bathroom with a shower cabinet, spa bath, vanity and toilet, and extra sitting space with a large window seat.

Upstairs are two more bedrooms with stunning views and built-in wardrobes and storage, a second, more modern kitchen, a separate toilet, and a bathroom with a shower cabinet and vanity.

‘‘This is an amazingly flexible apartment that could be set up to meet different living needs,’’ Aaron Nation, of Lowe & Co Realty, says.

‘‘It’s in a lovely character building that has one of the best positions in the bay.

‘‘And it represents not only affordable buying in a premium location but also offers potential to add value with a makeover to bring it into the twenty-first century.

‘‘This is the first time it’s been for sale since 2003 and it will appeal to buyers who want to capitalise on everything it offers while living across the road from the beach and being within only a few minutes’ walk of cafes, Freyberg Pool and Courtenay Place.’’

The property has a rateable value of $925,000.