With its striking green exterior and super-handy location at the top of Williamson Avenue, just metres from the vibrant shops, cafes and restaurants of Ponsonby Road, the Greenhouse development is already an iconic local landmark.
When Auckland couple Mark and Debra were downsizing, buying off-the-plans there four years ago, they decided to take the plunge and invest in two Greenhouse apartments – a two-bedroom unit and a one-bedroom unit and configure them to create one superior dwelling – with stunning views of Tāmaki Makaurau.
The result exceeded all their expectations and has been much admired.
“We had the freedom to customise our apartment and spared no expense because we wanted something that really stands out,” says Mark.
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The couple opted to use their own interior designer, Kristen Basra of Spatial Studio. She says that Mark and Debra’s good taste – especially when it comes to their art collection – meant she had a perfect canvas to work with.
Kristen loved the level of space available in the open-plan living dining and kitchen zone as well as the couple’s openness to bringing in rich tones, based on nature’s earthy tapestry. While she referenced the other Greenhouse apartments in her design concept, she says that Mark and Debra’s bespoke home is far more refined and elegant.
Mark and Debra also used their own electricians, tilers and cabinetmakers in order to achieve the highest standards throughout.
“It feels more like a house than an apartment,” says Debra, who loves enjoying a coffee in the sun on the large, private balcony each morning while the world wakes up and starts moving about on the streets below.
The current homeowners brought in their own interior designer, Kristen Basra of Spatial Studio, to style their apartment. Photo / Supplied
“On a clear day you can even see as far afield as Little Barrier,” one of the homeowners says. Photo / Supplied
Needless to say, the views are a huge attraction, sweeping from Sky Tower and the Waitamata Harbour through to the upper harbour and Waitakere Ranges.
“On a clear day you can even see as far afield as Little Barrier,” adds Mark.
Replacing one of a potential three bathrooms with a separate laundry was a clever decision.
“There is so much storage, which is something you don’t always find in an apartment,” says Debra.
The couple are delighted with the three generous bedrooms, plus two walk-in wardrobes and the smart and contemporary tiled bathrooms wouldn’t look out of place in a luxury 5-star hotel, while office space makes working from home a breeze.
The apartment has been the perfect backdrop to showcase their art collection. Photo / Supplied
There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and three car parks. Photo / Supplied
“Plus, the building is pet-friendly, the lobby is a great place to meet and greet other residents, we have three parking spaces, and there’s a nice café on site too,” Debra says.
Blair Haddow from Bayleys, Ponsonby, has noticed that potential purchasers seeing this sumptuous apartment for the first time all acknowledge the “wow” factor in Mark and Debra’s expertly planned and brilliantly executed home.
“Mark is in the construction business himself so he’s very exact and detail-oriented. This is a high-end, beautifully appointed apartment for discerning buyers seeking a bolthole in the city. It’s very special and certainly not run-of-the-mill in any way.”
502/20 Williamson Avenue in Grey Lynn, Auckland, is on the market for sale by negotiation.
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