APARTMENT LIVING
‘Instant attraction’ for its location and security, writes Donna McIntyre
This Eden Terrace apartment felt instantly like home when Margaret Main took ownership in 2004. “When I found it, I had been looking for a few months. It was my first house purchase. I walked in and knew this was it. “I decided to buy it for the location, space and security,” she says. “Plus, I loved the huge bedroom and wardrobe.”
Margaret has lived at what is formally known as Korari Square Body Corporate — but called the Ruru St spot by residents and friends — for 14 years, apart from a “wee stint when I worked in the South Island”.
Her northeast-facing, three-level terrace home with its neat and tidy cladding and green garage door enjoys a private position, tucked into a corner of the 31-unit Eden Terrace complex, where the neighbouring properties are a mix of residential and commercial properties.
“It is pretty quiet here at night,” she says. Being over three levels means she enjoys lots of morning sun in the living area, kitchen and spacious balcony on the second level and the large bedroom and bathroom on the top level.
“The sun lasts until about 2pm. It is a very easy home to keep warm.”
The internal entry garage (and laundry) on the ground level is where Margaret would organise her Turning Tables hospitality and leadership coaching workshops.
“And there’s space to keep stuff. I’m a bit of a magpie.”
Improvements she’s made are the laminated floors, double-glazing, new bathroom, painting and wallpapering, a new deck covering, and a new garage door with insulation.
“My unit is a mix of original features, for example the kitchen, and plenty of updates that have given it a funky and original feel.
“My favourite spots are enjoying the sunshine on the bedroom couch or cooking up a storm in the small but very functional kitchen. It has hosted some great dinner parties.”
Her unit is one of three one-bedroom units in the complex; the others have two bedrooms. Margaret says there is a good number of long-term residents.
“Our complex has a cool vibe, it is safe, accessible, friendly, well maintained.”
The complex was built in 1997 and fully reclad about eight years ago. There’s an on-site manager and a proactive body corp committee — many members have been on the committee the whole time Margaret has owned this unit.
Margaret is leaving Auckland, but will continue to run Turning Tables. “I’m on the move to my next adventure in Taupo¯.
“It is a great location for public transport. I can lock and leave and we have easy motorway access.”