The 80s were synonymous with extravagantly standing out, as does this renovated penthouse apartment in the late 80s-built Westwater Tower, with surround-sound views and some surprising potential.
It’s an iconic building stretching skyward on top of the Herne Bay ridge, giving this top 15th floor penthouse elevated views in almost every direction.
Its owner Steve says: “During Covid lockdowns people could feel isolated but we felt very much part of the Auckland community because we could see so much of it.”
He bought here about 13 years ago after having lived in a traditional eastern suburbs house, introducing his then-teenage son and daughter to life at the top here. Naturally the astonishing view over the harbour with the harbour bridge, CBD with the Sky Tower and the inner suburbs was a huge drawcard.
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But so was something very unusual; the ability to top his layout with another floor. This penthouse almost entirely owns the rooftop and the airspace above it, inviting extending upwards.
Steve says: “As I understand it, when the building was built in the late 80s they had resource consent for 16 floors but only built 15. A few years ago I had Salmon Reed architects draw up plans for the 16th level, which was to have 360⁰ of floor-to-ceiling glass, and got resource consent.
“But my plans have changed.”
He’s loved the location, just over 100 metres from Jervois Road and so close to the CBD that family members can walk or scooter there.
The current homeowner engaged Salmon Reed architects to draw up plans for the 16th level, which was to have floor-to-ceiling glass, and got resource consent.
The astonishing view over the harbour with the harbour bridge, CBD with the Sky Tower and the inner suburbs is a huge drawcard.
Each apartment occupies an entire floor and residents share a glistening swimming pool – which is round, of course.
“It’s pretty unusual to have a building and penthouse which is essentially round. I think all the curves give it a bit of an art deco feel.”
Apartments in the tower tend to be tightly held, with some owners having bought early in the building’s life.
“Fourteen of the 15 apartments are owner-occupied, everyone knows everyone in the building and it’s a really close and easy body corporate. I don’t believe anyone would ever get permission again to build this sort of building, standing out so distinctively on the ridge, so this penthouse’s views will never be built out.”
Not long after buying Steve had interior designer Yvette Jay guide him in extensively renovating the interior.
Stepping through the penthouse’s foyer reveals the commanding view.
“I love watching the weather rolling in and observing the different ways light reflects off city buildings throughout the day.”
The main bedroom has an ensuite where you can watch the twinkling night lights from a spa bath in front of the window.
About half the layout is dedicated to the contemporary open-plan kitchen-living-dining room with uninterrupted sea and city views.
When his son was a bit younger and took out their fishing boat from Oram’s boat storage, Steve could check his progress through binoculars.
About half the layout is dedicated to the contemporary open-plan kitchen-living-dining room. A skylight with adjustable louvres supplements light streaming in the windows. Every room has individually controlled air conditioning.
The main suite with wide wardrobing and harbour view has an ensuite where you can watch the twinkling night lights from a spa bath in front of the window. Two more bedrooms with views share the family bathroom. This apartment comes with a storage shed on the rooftop and an extended double garage.
Now his children are adults Steve has decided he’ll spend more time at a Rotoiti lake house he’s having built than in Auckland.
Bayleys agent Cristina Casares says: “What’s really cool about this penthouse is its almost 360° panoramic view and the bonus of owning the rooftop, allowing you to create another floor.”
- 15/10 Shelly Beach Road in St Marys Bay, Auckland, goes to auction on March 26
