The Circle

“in winter, you’ll see the sun rising to the left of Rangitoto Island, and in summer it rises on the right,” [to say nothing of the full moon’s beauty as it looms up from the harbour putting the infinite sea of streetlamps to shame.] “And on a clear day, you can see as far as Great Barrier Island and every headland point in-between." 

- Gael Black [Former Owner of Apartment Three – The Circle]

Like a vigilant watchtower, The Circle has stood 12 floors high over Milford since 1968. Envisioned by four renowned architects and now home to 12 proud owner-occupants, for decades this landmark building has been the subject of admiration, not only for its desirable coastal position or 360-degree panorama views, but for its claim to the history books as the site of C.F. Goldie’s family’s summerhouse: also once known as Maratea.

Before The Circle’s time, and before nearby Lake Pupuke was a body of water for keen kayakers and police training dives, Goldie’s studio stood here on the family estate. His father, former New Zealand Politician David Goldie, purpose-built it as a space for Goldie to practise his craft and is inevitably where a few of his subjects – Māori chiefs and leaders – once sat while he created his national works of art.

Today, the level three apartment owners, Gael and Russell Black, have well appreciated the position and lifestyle 90 Kitchener has afforded them. Only moments to Milford’s waterfront haven and the thriving village of cafes, retailers, and services, the setting is made all the better with its array of reserves, coastal walks, as well as nearby Takapuna’s main strip of restaurants and bars.

Recalling the special times over a 13-year tenure, Gael shares moments of gratitude for the elevated position, “in winter, you’ll see the sun rising to the left of Rangitoto Island, and in summer it rises on the right,” [to say nothing of the full moon’s beauty as it looms up from the harbour putting the infinite sea of streetlamps to shame.] “And on a clear day, you can see as far as Great Barrier Island and every headland point in-between.” 

The floorplan and vistas make a complete loop of the building, with deeply beautiful views spanning from the Waitemata Harbour to Lake Pupuke and onward to Auckland City, then over the North Shore’s inland suburbs tracking back to Milford and its coastline.

In 2011, the Black’s had their three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment beautifully renovated. It was taken back to a concrete floor, concrete ceiling and nine concrete columns. Modernised and entailing careful selection of quality materials and fittings, including underfloor heating in the bathrooms and the gourmet kitchen - the interior spaces still create a place of calm and comfort from which to enjoy the all-inclusive views.

Circling from the combined living and dining area, each bedroom captures a unique birds-eye view, including the master, which enjoys the luxury of a walk-in wardrobe and elegant ensuite.

The apartment is accessed by either the internal lift or winding staircase and is assigned a lock-up garage and storeroom. With plenty of guest parking on site, there is also a heated pool for resident’s which is privately tucked away on the immaculate grounds. 

Still standing proud on the grounds, the telling Norfolk Pine dates back some 122 years; once a twin, it now stands alone due to a single lightning strike blighting its brother in 1969. A memorial of flowers now remains in its place as a reminder of the lost Norfolk twin and its story.

As the Black’s seek to enjoy their Raglan residence permanently, 3/90 Kitchener Road at The Circle has been sold to another family of whom will in no doubt relish their new lot in life.

– Nicole Toni