HISTORY REPEATS
An apartment built in the 1930s moves with the times, writes CATHERINE SMITH
AUCKLAND CENTRAL
5G/5 Parliament Street
3 2 2
We may think of Auckland city apartments as a 21st Century phenomenon, but in 1930s there were art deco apartments appearing around the High Court and university precincts near Parliament Street and Emily Place.
Luckily, back in the 1980s developers moved in to restore one of the bigger blocks, Westminster Court, retaining the heritage lobby area and adding a pool, spa and gym, as well as shared lounges and guest accommodation.
Barbara Davies was one of the early buyers of an apartment on a lower floor. Then, nearly 25 years ago, the top floor apartment on the sunny north-west corner became available.
“We thought this one was much better, because it had an outside area, a corner with a wrap-around balcony,” she says. “We have glimpse of the harbour and on the west, Albert Park.”
Barbara’s family had a farm in the Waikato but liked the idea of living in the city, moving from Remuera.
Back then, she says, there were very few facilities for inner-city dwellers — not even a dairy— but they loved being able to walk into the city for theatre and concerts.
The two-storey apartment is a mix of original — including a magnificent front door with stained glass fan light, and original stair case — and modern.
The upper floor was added when the apartments were renovated. This creates an airy living floor with high ceilings and that balcony, but the L-shaped area keeps kitchen, dining and living clearly zoned (there’s also an upstairs powder room).
Barbara had the kitchen refurbished a few years ago, and there’s a charming floral wallpaper in the powder room, a nod to the building’s past.
The entry floor with its the sweeping entrance hall and stair case retains the grandeur of the old building, has three good sized double bedrooms. The master is a generous size unheard of in modern apartments, with its own ensuite. Two other bedrooms have been opened up with double doors to make a study, and there’s also a separate laundry room. “I love being close enough to walk to town. Even though we have two carparks, I don’t use the car,” says Barbara.
Agent Liz Derbyshire of Barfoot & Thompson has sold several apartments in Westminster Court, but says this is a fantastic opportunity because it is so big. “With the outdoor living, it’s a fantastic opportunity,” she says. Price: $1,690,000
Contact: Liz Derbyshire, Barfoot and Thompson, 021 661 978