Landmark city living

The largest apartment in a landmark heritage building in the heart of Wellington City is for sale for the first time since it was bought off the plans in 1994.

The spacious three-bedroom residence, at 1A/7 Stout, stands out for its imposing kauri joinery and a double-height stud that accommodates a double-glazed arch window that showcases its iconic neighbours.

These include the Beehive, the former Supreme Court building and the Old Government Buildings (now the Law Faculty of Victoria University).

The 133-square metre Whitmore Apartment occupies two floors of what was the Missions to Seamen building.

The Wellington City Council archives describe it as “a fine example of an Edwardian civic building” that was designed in “an eclectic Revivalist style that reflects the unusual mix of social and spiritual services that the building once offered”.

It was built as the first permanent Mission to Seamen in Wellington and as well as providing an important social service for sailors, was the first building on the Thorndon reclamation (in 1903).

“It is a local landmark as an elegant Edwardian building set on a prominent corner site, and contributes to the Stout Street Heritage Area,” the WCC says.

Yet it would have been demolished in the 1980s if not for an unprecedented heritage conservation campaign that led to it being converted to luxurious apartments in 1995 while retaining much of it original exterior.

“This is the largest apartment in the building and the fact that it’s never been on the market makes it pretty special,” Flora Greig, of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, says.

The superbly presented apartment has just been recarpeted but otherwise is in largely original condition (complete with handsomely striped, floral and Anagylpta wallpapers).

The living and dining areas are open-plan with the well-appointed kitchen, which includes an electric range with a ceramic cooktop, dishwasher, integrated rangehood, microwave oven and refrigerator-freezer.

The magnificent arch window distinguishes the step-up living area and floods the interior with natural light while opening up a world-class backdrop.

Also on this level are a separate toilet and storage under the stairs that ascend to the bedrooms.

The main bedroom faces north and has two double-wardrobes with storage above and an ensuite with a shower, toilet and vanity.

The second bedroom has French doors to the landing, which overlooks the living area and shares the same west-facing views.

The third double-bedroom has a triple-wardrobe and arched Florentine window while the large bathroom has a shower cabinet, spa bath, vanity, toilet and tiled floor with coloured diamond inserts.

“This apartment will suit a wide range of people,” Greig says.

“It’s big enough for a small family but more likely its proximity to Parliament and the courts makes it ideal for professionals and investors.

“It would also be amazing for temporary accommodation like an Airbnb operation.

“The views are remarkable, even on the global stage, it’s close to the railway station and the waterfront, and it’s within walking distance of everything that makes Wellington such an attractive tourist destination.”