It’s freehold and ‘as new’
Two-level pad with spectacular views gets $500,000 makover, writes Donna McIntyre
Between them, Eric Lehl and Ayumi Uyed have lived in a number of cities. Eric grew up in America and was in the US Navy for six years before moving to Sydney. It was where he met Ayumi, who grew up in Australia, and lived in Mexico City and New York before to moving back to Australia.
Eric and Ayumi have been together since. After Sydney they lived in Auckland from 2010-2012, then Singapore. and now Tokyo, where they work for Bayer. Ayumi is the head of consumer health, Eric of animal health.
They loved their two years in New Zealand so much that they bought this two-level apartment in Auckland’s Quay Regency building.
“We travel back as often as possible, mostly to fly fish and hike,” says Eric. “We bought the apartment on Quay in 2014 when we just arrived in Tokyo.
“The aim was to live in it someday.” It had “lots of air and light, really high ceilings, lots of potential”.
They’ve heard this building is one of only a handful of freehold waterfront apartments in Auckland.
“It had to be freehold and we wanted views, inner city living, and a large, unique space that would increase in value.
“Being close to water and city was a must. Walking lifestyle for sure. After living in Singapore and Tokyo with no cars, we love walking to everything.
“It fits our lifestyle of having cafes, restaurants and bars on your door.”
Eric and Ayumi rented out the apartment until late in 2017 when they started renovations.
“This was a big job and cost over $500,000. We wanted it done to a very high specification,” says Eric.
“We gutted it and everything is new. French oak floors and nice carpets in two bedrooms. Fantastic tiles in the three bathrooms, heated floors, luxury taps. I cook a lot and built the kitchen for me. Kitchen appliances are from Kouzina — Bora induction cooktop and Tepan grill; Miele oven and integrated dishwasher; and Vintec wine fridge.
“We managed the project over phone and it worked out great.” A non-load bearing wall was removed to open the space up on the first level that has the main living area, kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Upstairs is the master bedroom suite with en suite and wardrobes.
The views are spectacular. “The apartment has windows on three sides,” says Eric. “From the main living area it faces northeast over the harbour and west over the city. “From the south it looks over Britomart and across the city. We can see the bridge, the ferry building and the Sky Tower.
“Most of the day it gets sun. The views at sunset are amazing”
Eric says now that the apartment has been renovated, they can sell it “as new”.
“We bought land in Queenstown and our plans have changed. We can hold on to Quay St or build a house in QT (Queenstown), but not both.”