CALIFORNIAN COOL

Fifth- level apartment has panoramic views over Auckland, writes SANDRA GOODWIN

Barfoot & Thompson agent Paul Studman has sold myriad apartments in The Pines during the 25 years he’s also been a resident.

He is marketing this modern renovated apartment, knowing the elegant complex well.

“You could say I’m a little biased, but I do truly know how wonderful it is living here in this iconic building set in parklike grounds on the slopes of Maungawhau, Mt Eden.”

This residence is on the fifth level of the 10- level building, which enjoys panoramic views over Auckland.

Paul says: “I sold the current owners this apartment 10 years ago, which they went on to totally refurbish and renovate, including retrofitting it with double glazing. They’ve enjoyed living at The Pines so much they’re going to remain living in the building, but are at the stage where they’re ready for a different apartment. ”

The late Selwyn Robinson had owned this magnificent

2.7ha estate for 38 years when he sold it in 1968 as a way of preserving intact its green expanse dotted with superb trees planted from the mid

1800s on. By late 1971 the first residents were moving into the impressive apartment block that exuded Californian design cool. It was designed by one of the world’s largest architectural companies at the time, Los

‘ This apartment maintains a relationship with the gardens and the grounds, which are frequented by wonderful birdlife including kereru ¯ and moreporks.’

Angeles company Welton Becket and Associates.

The double grammar zoned building containing 40 residences, four per floor, has a cream painted brick veneer over solid poured concrete. Paul says: “It’s lovely we still have an original owner here but The Pines’ community has significantly regenerated.

“I’ve sold in excess of 55 apartments here, some of them more than once, and owners nowadays include professionals and some families.”

They share park- like grounds. Several well- tended facilities include a floodlit allweather tennis court, a small gym and a 20m pool accompanied by a barbecue pavilion with kitchen facilities.

Paul says: “This apartment has stunning views but being on the fifth level it still maintains a relationship with the gardens and the grounds, which are frequented by birdlife including kereru ¯ and moreporks.”

The entrance introduces the north- facing living- dining room with bay window seating.

“From the master bedroom and the living- dining you get views of Rangitoto and the harbour and from the window seat you can see One Tree Hill and towards the airport.”

Off this open- plan space is the renovated oak- floored kitchen and laundry.

The living area and a second bedroom open to a covered balcony celebrating the views.

The bay window master suite has a walk- in- wardrobe and ensuite. The family bathroom neighbours the third bedroom with views up Mt Eden and towards Manukau Heads.

This apartment comes with a carpark and Paul says there’s also the possibility of a second carpark at no cost.

Asking price: $ 3.55 million Contact: Paul Studman, Barfoot & Thompson, 021 998 563