1/27A Paritai Drive Orakei, Auckland City

This sensational ground floor apartment is one of only three in this rare boutique complex on the north side of Paritai Drive. Enjoy the protected views of Okahu Bay beach, Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island, with neighbouring peninsulas, Orakei marina and Devonport's North Head in sight as well. To live in this exceptional location encapsulates what it is to call the City of Sails home. It's a property that will equally suit those who want more "me" time, or to take shore-leave in away from your primary overseas or out-of-Auckland home.

Skillfully designed to get guests circulating, the 216 sqm apartment centres on an expansive frontage where a limestone terrace and rolling lawns provide the perfect setting amidst manicured gardens. Sit with cool refreshments and watch the yacht racing on the harbour and savour the seclusion of this rare cliff top pohutukawa-clad lookout. The generous 5.2 m x 9.6 m sitting room is elegantly complemented by the impressive Tuscan-style limestone fireplace with the formal dining space perfect for dinner parties. The soft grey-toned kitchen is fitted with polished granite counters, and easily caters for entertaining and socialising with bi-fold doors stacking back to make the party flow as easily as the nearby tides. Of the three double bedrooms the master suite has built in gas fireplace and a ringside seat of the views with flush sill sliders leading outdoors. There's a walk-in wardrobe and the adjoining bathroom is fully tiled in polished granite as is the main bathroom which features a tub.

A generous garage for access direct into your apartment and within a secure, electronically accessed compound, this is the ideal retreat administered by a sensible body corp. Close to Tamaki Drive, handy for Royal Akarana Yacht Club as well as all the restaurants, cafes and eateries that dot the nearby shoreline.

Body Corp: $11,979.51 per annum