Four apartments are currently for sale at Epsom’s landmark complex, The Pines – an occurrence that Barfoot & Thompson salesperson Paul Studman deems “unprecedented, unrepeatable and iconic.”
And he’s well qualified to speak on the topic. “I’ve sold in The Pines since 1993 and have sold more than 60 – the most any agent ever has. I’ve also lived there for 31 years,” he says.
Anyone who hasn’t visited the complex may not even know it exists – it’s a true hidden gem at the heart of Auckland city. The 10-storey concrete tower is comprised of just 40 residences and is enveloped within nearly seven acres of private, park-like, freehold grounds, tucked into the side of Maungawhau Mount Eden.
“There’s no other apartment complex, I would suggest, like it in New Zealand.”
Start your property search
Along with assistance from the onsite building manager, residents enjoy use of a 20-metre pool and pavilion for entertaining guests, and a floodlit tennis court and gym.
However, it’s the land that makes it truly unique. Walking tracks meander through the manicured native and exotic gardens and mature specimen trees – some planted circa 1860 – are filled with native birdlife.
Herbs and vegetables can be sourced from the gardens for cooking and residents are also encouraged to pick flowers from the beds for their homes. Each apartment also receives two bottles of honey each year, produced by the onsite hives.
The Pines is incredibly tightly-held by its owner-occupiers and has been since its inception, around 55 years ago.
The modern classic building was designed by Californian company Welton Becket and Associates, one of the largest architectural firms in the world at the time, and finished in 1971. Photo / Supplied
“We still have an original owner, would you believe. Now that’s a testament to the place. It’s incredibly rare to have four apartments available at once, so it’s a great opportunity.”
Starting from $2.75 million, there are three two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom apartment for sale, ranging from 153sqm to 196sqm.
Spaces inside each are well-proportioned and filled with natural light and sun, with generous decks for hosting friends.
Each comes with its own on-title carpark, says Studman, as well as another allotted by “grace and favour” by the management board, at no extra cost. These are complemented with plenty of extra visitor parking.
The protected, panoramic views here are another huge drawcard and, depending on the individual home’s level and aspect, encompass variations of Government House and Florence Court below, the city skyline, the North Shore, Rangitoto, the Waitakere Ranges and both the Waitemata and Manukau harbours.
Starting from $2.75m, there are three two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom apartment for sale, ranging from 153sqm to 196sqm. Photo / Supplied
Historically, The Pines is said to be one of the first luxury apartment buildings in Auckland. In order to preserve his beloved property’s spectacular native flora and fauna and prevent it from eventually being carved up and roaded, Selwyn J Robinson, visionary businessman and owner was able to create and build The Pines, which Studman says would be unrepeatable today.
The modern classic building was designed by Californian company Welton Becket and Associates, one of the largest architectural firms in the world at the time, and finished in 1971.
Today, a wide range of residents make up the dynamics of The Pines.
“I had my family in there and it’s been great. So if you’ve got kids or even grandkids that visit, they love it because it’s got all that land to explore and the swimming pool and tennis court.”
The family appeal is heightened even further thanks to the double grammar zoning and being within easy walking distance to private schools. Both Newmarket and Mount Eden’s shops, eateries and transport are also just an easy stroll away.
Residents enjoy use of a 20-metre pool and pavilion for entertaining guests, and a floodlit tennis court and gym. Photo / Supplied
In years gone by, open homes have been a no-go for anyone selling at The Pines but luckily this time around, the management board have granted special permission for prospective buyers to come and check out one or all four at open homes – 1pm-2pm on July 20 and July 27.
One of the apartments that Studman is selling is his own as after three decades, it’s time for a change. He’s not sure what’s next, but one thing is for sure.
“It won’t be another apartment because this, in my eyes, is the best of the best.”
2C/75 Owens Road, in Epsom, has an asking price of $2.75m; apartment 4C is seeking enquiries from $3m; apartment 7D has an asking price of $3.15m; apartment 8B has an asking price of $2.98m.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
