‘Gotham City’: Iconic Metropolis penthouse listed

Thursday, 15 August 2024

Penthouse Metropolis Apartments - 1/3801 Courthouse Lane Auckland CBD

Hidden away at the very top of the city, the Metropolis penthouse in Auckland is up for grabs, but you’ll need deep pockets.

Built in the ‘90s, the Metropolis made a powerful statement on the city skyline, and continues to be a point of reference - the penthouse is positioned immediately beneath the dome.

It has an RV of $6.2m, but Jayne Kiely of Ray White Mission Bay, who holds the listing with Ricky Cave, says the sale price is likely to be “round the $10m mark”. “Because it’s so unique, it’s hard to put a price on it,” she says. “It’s not like you can compare to a house down the road.”

Visible from many parts of Auckland, the Metropolis is easily recognisable from its stepped domed spire. The penthouse is now offered for sale for the first time in 10 years.

The owner has occupied the penthouse for 10 years (it was last sold for $6m). Kiely says 10 years is a long tenure and most homeowners move on within that time. “People are often looking to downsize and do something different.”

His home would do Batman proud - the Metropolis has a “Gotham City” vibe, and the owner has played on this theme inside. There’s even a classic red Chevrolet Impala, now a bed, sitting on a huge rotating dais. The car, which has a drinks cabinet under the bonnet, was helicoptered up to the penthouse in parts and reassembled. And while it may not be the Batmobile, it’s a beauty.

The penthouse spreads over a massive 325m², and there’s another 140m² of outdoor living with terraces facing two different directions - and because this is the only penthouse at the very top of the spire, there are 360deg views of the city and harbour.

The circular theme is echoed by the lighting.

The Chevvy Impala has been transformed - the back automatically lifts to reveal a bed. And there’s a drinks cabinet beneath the bonnet. The car sits on a rotating dais.

There are four sumptuous bedrooms, three bathrooms and state-of-the-art amenities, including a bar and kitchen by multi award-winning designer Mal Corboy. No expense has been spared with the fit-out, which incorporates an entire wall of backlit onyx stone, and floor-to-ceiling Italian stone. Another wall is currently sporting the Batman Gotham City logo on glass.

Another feature is a pole for dancing - it reaches up to an onyx ceiling panel that matches the long wall.

The Metropolis penthouse sits directly beneath the spire.

And this is the second terrace, featuring a spa pool.

There’s nothing to block the view of the Sky Tower.

This long, backlit wall of onyx is an artwork in itself.

The kitchen and bar are by designer Mal Corboy.

And yes, that’s a pole for dancers, reaching up to an onyx ceiling.

Kiely describes the penthouse as “Auckland’s most prestigious and iconic residence” and says it’s the perfect hideway for celebrities. And it has the highest security measures in place to keep fans at bay.

The Metropolis entry is via the old courthouse, which was converted into loft apartments.

The property, at 1/3801 Courthouse Lane, City Centre, Auckland, is for sale by negotiation. It comes with four car parks, and is close to every inner-city amenity, including restaurants, stores and the waterfront.