HAVEN IN HERNE BAY
Boutique unit is the modern city- dweller’s dream, writes MARIA HOYLE
Waking up to sunlight filtering through sheer curtains and the chirrup of birdsong, is an idyllic start to any day. But it’s extraspecial when you happen to be living within minutes of the action.
The unexpected tranquillity of a location within strolling distance of cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping is just one of many things Gemma Ross is going to miss about her chic pad - one in a six- unit block - in Auckland’s upmarket Herne Bay.
For Gemma, it was love at first sight when she viewed the two- bedroom property - on an elevated spot close to the harbour - two years ago. The PR agency owner had been living in Singapore, so asked her realestate agent to have ‘ a bunch of 1960s units’ to show her on her return. “This was the first one I walked into; I pretty much decided on the spot that it was for me.”
And that was before the extensive renovation which has transformed the once tired interior into a sophisticated retreat that will tick all the boxes for professionals, couples and downsizers.
Gone is the lurid green and orange carpet - in its place, stunning blond wood flooring which amps up the streamlined feel of this north- west facing, light- filled dwelling.
Along with interior designer Rukaiya Daud of Fourth Street
Home and ‘ amazing’ builder Marvin Rasmussen of MLR Construction, Gemma has imbued the space with style and sophistication: quality custom drapes, a state- of- the- art kitchen, excellent storage, a modern, fully tiled bathroom, and a crisp alabaster white palette which gives the next lucky resident a blank canvas to work with.
“I gutted it and started from scratch - opening it up to make it more open- plan. It’s really paid off,” says Gemma.
Large French doors open onto a private deck that catches the last of the sun, the perfect spot for entertaining. “The unit has a gorgeous aspect; all day light and beautiful sunsets. It’s a haven. Given that it is one of six, it’s very boutique. And the location is amazing.”
Another big plus is that, even though it is in a block with a shared garden, the apartment has no body corporate fees. Instead, the six owner- occupiers have formed a collective that meets monthly. “We are very house- proud and have invested in the grounds and the building to keep it beautiful.”
Gemma has also enjoyed the lock- and- leave aspect. When trips to Singapore beckoned for work, she could walk away with total peace of mind.
Bayleys agent Jono King says, “This opportunity is as good as it gets to enter Herne Bay's premium northern slopes.”
So good, that selling didn’t even cross Gemma’s mind until a rare opportunity arose. “A little railway cottage came up in Ponsonby; I had always had my heart set on one of those.” Auction: October 28
Contact: Jono King, Bayleys, 027 351 4020