Nicole and Michael
Q: Please tell us about yourself, your background and how you first found out about Willis Bond?
Michael and I are in our early-mid 30’s. We met while studying law- Michael went on to practice law and I started a business. We have dog that we adore and have always lived in apartments since moving out of home.
Michael had a colleague who purchased from Willis Bond and told him they were an excellent developer and one of a small handful who he trusted. Not long after, we spotted signs for the Catalina Bay development during a breakfast trip to Fabric. A few weeks later, we bought our first home together!
Michael and I are in our early-mid 30’s. We met while studying law- Michael went on to practice law and I started a business. We have dog that we adore and have always lived in apartments since moving out of home.
Michael had a colleague who purchased from Willis Bond and told him they were an excellent developer and one of a small handful who he trusted. Not long after, we spotted signs for the Catalina Bay development during a breakfast trip to Fabric. A few weeks later, we bought our first home together!
Q: What kind of home were you living in before Catalina Bay, and what made you consider apartment living?
We previously lived in a city apartment, which we really enjoyed. We love the sense of security and the simplicity that comes with apartment living - there’s far less upkeep than a standalone home.
For us, it’s about quality over quantity: we’d rather have a smaller, beautifully designed space that we use and enjoy every day than extra rooms that go unused. It’s a more intentional way of living, and it allows us to create a thoughtfully curated home that truly reflects how we live.
We previously lived in a city apartment, which we really enjoyed. We love the sense of security and the simplicity that comes with apartment living - there’s far less upkeep than a standalone home.
For us, it’s about quality over quantity: we’d rather have a smaller, beautifully designed space that we use and enjoy every day than extra rooms that go unused. It’s a more intentional way of living, and it allows us to create a thoughtfully curated home that truly reflects how we live.
Q: What was most important to you when choosing a new home?
Trust in the developer was our top priority, especially as we were buying during a period of uncertainty in the property market. Willis Bond’s reputation gave us peace of mind.
We were also looking for a home with a view of the water and a bit more space than the average apartment—something that could accommodate a growing family in the future. We were fortunate to find an apartment with a generously sized deck, which is absolutely perfect in summer.
With a background in design, I really appreciated the attention to detail in the specifications. The fitout options offered by Willis Bond struck the ideal balance of modernity and timelessness, and the upgrade selections allowed us to truly personalise the space and make it feel like our own.
Trust in the developer was our top priority, especially as we were buying during a period of uncertainty in the property market. Willis Bond’s reputation gave us peace of mind.
We were also looking for a home with a view of the water and a bit more space than the average apartment—something that could accommodate a growing family in the future. We were fortunate to find an apartment with a generously sized deck, which is absolutely perfect in summer.
With a background in design, I really appreciated the attention to detail in the specifications. The fitout options offered by Willis Bond struck the ideal balance of modernity and timelessness, and the upgrade selections allowed us to truly personalise the space and make it feel like our own.
Q: What stands out to you most about the design of your apartment?
The storage is fantastic - far beyond what we expected. The apartment holds heat well in winter and stays cool in summer, so we barely use heating or air conditioning.
Aesthetically, the kitchen is a standout with its dark cabinetry, marble accents, and warm timber tones. The higher ceiling stud makes everything feel more spacious, and the overall design blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
The storage is fantastic - far beyond what we expected. The apartment holds heat well in winter and stays cool in summer, so we barely use heating or air conditioning.
Aesthetically, the kitchen is a standout with its dark cabinetry, marble accents, and warm timber tones. The higher ceiling stud makes everything feel more spacious, and the overall design blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Q: In your view, what makes for a great residential development and successful apartment living in Auckland?
Location and efficient use of floor space. There isn’t much room for wasted space in designing an apartment and it’s something WB absolutely nailed. The location, layout, and lifestyle all work in harmony.
Location and efficient use of floor space. There isn’t much room for wasted space in designing an apartment and it’s something WB absolutely nailed. The location, layout, and lifestyle all work in harmony.
Q: Was moving into Catalina Bay Apartments a lifestyle change, what have you enjoyed, what has surprised you?
Because we already lived in an apartment we didn’t have to do any major downsizing. In fact, we’ve been able to fit quite a lot more in which has been great as the apartments are generous in size compared to standard apartments.
One of the most meaningful aspects has been the connection to nature. I grew up in Greenhithe, right on this same stretch of water, so returning to it from a new perspective has felt incredibly special. Having the ferry at our doorstep is an absolute game changer.
Michael works in the city and it’s such a peaceful way to travel to work. He even sees dolphins and orcas on occasion! As our first home, we had high hopes - and it’s exceeded them in every way. We absolutely love it here.
Because we already lived in an apartment we didn’t have to do any major downsizing. In fact, we’ve been able to fit quite a lot more in which has been great as the apartments are generous in size compared to standard apartments.
One of the most meaningful aspects has been the connection to nature. I grew up in Greenhithe, right on this same stretch of water, so returning to it from a new perspective has felt incredibly special. Having the ferry at our doorstep is an absolute game changer.
Michael works in the city and it’s such a peaceful way to travel to work. He even sees dolphins and orcas on occasion! As our first home, we had high hopes - and it’s exceeded them in every way. We absolutely love it here.
Q: What are your favourite spaces in your apartment? How do you enjoy spending time in them?
The deck is our sanctuary. With its generous size, we’ve created a beautiful outdoor living area. Brunch on the sofa with our dog in the sun has become one of our weekend rituals.
The deck is our sanctuary. With its generous size, we’ve created a beautiful outdoor living area. Brunch on the sofa with our dog in the sun has become one of our weekend rituals.
Q: How did you go about making your space your home, do you have any pieces or features that are particularly meaningful to you?
It’s an ongoing process! We knew we had to get a good outdoor couch as the deck is a decent size. We also upgraded to a king size bed which we weren’t able to do in our previous apartment due to size constraints. We also upgraded to the Carrera marble bench top and splash back which we love. It just adds that level of detail and elevates the space.
It’s an ongoing process! We knew we had to get a good outdoor couch as the deck is a decent size. We also upgraded to a king size bed which we weren’t able to do in our previous apartment due to size constraints. We also upgraded to the Carrera marble bench top and splash back which we love. It just adds that level of detail and elevates the space.
Q: What does a typical weekend at Catalina Bay look like for you?
We almost always wonder down to the markets on Saturday to get our favourite snacks. It’s also great if we can’t be bothered going to the supermarket as there’s often a fruit and vege stand. I then usually take our dog for a walk around the water front and past fabric every morning. There’s really not a better way to start the day! Our families often come on a Friday or Saturday night and meet us at Fabric or Little Creatures for dinner.
We almost always wonder down to the markets on Saturday to get our favourite snacks. It’s also great if we can’t be bothered going to the supermarket as there’s often a fruit and vege stand. I then usually take our dog for a walk around the water front and past fabric every morning. There’s really not a better way to start the day! Our families often come on a Friday or Saturday night and meet us at Fabric or Little Creatures for dinner.
Q: If someone was unsure about moving from a standalone home to an apartment, what would you say to them?
You won’t regret it. There’s far less stress than house maintenace, it feels safer, and the views are unbeatable. For too long, New Zealanders have clung to the ideal of the standalone house. But times are changing - and we’ve fully embraced apartment living. It’s not a compromise. It’s a lifestyle, and a wonderful one at that.
You won’t regret it. There’s far less stress than house maintenace, it feels safer, and the views are unbeatable. For too long, New Zealanders have clung to the ideal of the standalone house. But times are changing - and we’ve fully embraced apartment living. It’s not a compromise. It’s a lifestyle, and a wonderful one at that.
