The distinctly beautiful materials and historic character of the apartment conversion of Parnell’s original Model T Ford assembly plant spurred Jane and her husband Mike to buy an apartment in it off-the-plans.
Jane says: “We were downsizing from our Remuera home and wanted to find something other than just your plain old white apartment; something with a bit of character and interest.
“Cheshire Architects designed the conversion of this wonderful old building into apartments and retained much of its original character so cleverly.”
There are eight bespoke apartments in the boutique complex known as Ford Lofts. It is favoured by professionals, many of whom also keep a holiday home.
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Jane and Mike’s top floor Loft 7 apartment at 4/15A Augustus Terrace in Parnell, Auckland, was completed in early 2019.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is now on the market for sale by a set date closing March 8.
Bayleys agent Fleur Denning, who is marketing the property, says: “This is a stunning loft apartment in a boutique development like no other, embracing beautiful architecture and surrounds with a unique blend of old and new, tucked away in the heart of Parnell.”
Living flows out through two sets of steel French doors to a sunny, sheltered courtyard which features a tall corten steel planter which was commissioned by the current homeowners. Photo / Supplied
The interior features exposed aged brick and hand-oiled timbers, robust concrete and steel doors and windows. These are carefully balanced with the elegance of premium modern features and materials, such as a gourmet’s stone-bench kitchen and American oak flooring, to create a distinct ambience.
Jane says: “What appealed to us was the history and uniqueness of it and the fact it is in a lovely part of Parnell.”
Entry to the handsome 1901 building is via a cobbled laneway off Augustus Terrace, which featured often as a location in the second TV series of My Life is Murder starring Lucy Lawless. This 153sqm double grammar school-zoned apartment comes with two carparks and a storage locker in the building’s basement parking. There is lift access to their level.
Their expansive open-plan kitchen-dining-lounge is fantastic for entertaining.
“People just walk in and say ‘wow’ because they love the character and the sense of authenticity achieved by integrating so many historic materials.”
This open-plan expanse with gas fireplace integrates both flat and gabled ceiling profiles, all sarked in timber re-purposed from the original building. The couple chose two taco-like, sculptural brass pendant lights from ECC to accent this area.
The handsome 1901 building is via a cobbled laneway off Augustus Terrace, which featured often as a location in the second TV series of My Life is Murder starring Lucy Lawless. Photo / Supplied
This 153sqm double grammar school-zoned apartment comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two carparks and a storage locker in the building’s basement parking. Photo / Supplied
Living flows out through two sets of steel French doors to a sunny, sheltered courtyard. This features a tall corten steel planter the couple commissioned, its star jasmine perfuming the air when they sit outside admiring the building’s distinct form.
The space inside is large enough to accommodate a home office setting against one wall and a reading nook near the courtyard doors where the couple often sit, bathed in light.
Jane says clever design means the large timber-sided island, integrating storage and a Wolf oven, feels like an integral part of this space rather than screaming ‘kitchen’.
The hob sits within a sizeable timber-clad insert within a white bank of storage. Buying off-the-plans allowed them to request the under-stair scullery at the planning stage.
Upstairs are the ensuited master, a second bedroom, bathroom and compact laundry.
There is ducted heating and cooling. However, the couple often prefer to just leave the French doors to the courtyard open all night, safeguarded in this secure building.
They’ve enjoyed the ease with which they’ve been able to dine out in Parnell, walk into the CBD and access motorways to head off to golf.
