Christopher Ruthe appreciates fine architecture. The owner of this second-floor apartment in the distinctive five-level North Block at Lighter Quay, designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, says, “This struck me as a beautifully proportioned building with beautiful details such as the yacht mast columns on the harbour side. They are very clever… So many apartment blocks in Auckland are ugly.” It’s not only Christopher who appreciates the design.
The North building picked up the 2004 NZ Institute of Architects Award and 2004 Property Council of New Zealand Excellence Award in the multi-unit residential category. He bought the two-bedroom apartment on the building’s northwest corner more than 10 years ago, feeling it was positioned well for all-day sun. He has lived at Lighter Quay on and off during the decade, having bought with the intention of eventually retiring here. It is now rented out for $950 a week.
He says the appeal of the modulated North Block is that it stands alone on the water’s edge.
“You are virtually in the heart of the city but there is easy driving access, ample parking for guests. New Zealand’s best fish markets are just down the road.
“There are great bakeries and eateries and the supermarket is just across Victoria Park. They are doing great things on Wynyard Wharf, especially the parks for the kids.”
From Christopher’s apartment you look across to the yachts moored in the Viaduct and to Rangitoto. “The views are stunning and because it is two levels up, you still have an intimate relationship with the water.”
With retirement plans on hold for now, Christopher is selling the apartment.
“We have had a change of circumstances. We were wanting to retire to it but very sadly this is not going to happen.”
The apartment has the main living area as you come in, the kitchen with its dimpled stainless steel benches on the right, and then sliding glass doors opening to the balcony from the living area, as well as the master bedroom, with en suite, on the east side.
A second bedroom is on the west side, also with en suite. Christopher thinks the apartment will appeal to couples, professionals and retirees. He says there is a stimulating mix of people living there, an “excellent” manager and the body corp committee is “the best I have been involved with”.
