There is a lot of property for sale right now, but which listing suits you best? OneRoof’s Buyers' Club series brings you the best in New Zealand real estate, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions. We’ll highlight a range of homes from around the country that are worth your attention.
No need to head to the Moors to channel your inner Cathy and Heathcliff, as these four castles are currently for sale right here in New Zealand. With their turrets, arched windows and European-inspired design drama, these regional manors have been designed as an homage to historical originals and provide a unique living experience. BYO servants and silverware.
19A Whareora Terrace, Cashmere, Christchurch | Auction October 22
Cashmere doubles as the European Hills for the setting of this landmark residence designed by renowned architect Peter Kent in the 1970s. The roughcast concrete and rich timber detailing inside are brought to life with Gothic Revival features.
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From the outside, the property looks like it should grace the cover of a romance novel, but inside it's a practical family home, with a flexible, multi-level floorplan offering five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study and generous living areas.
Designed by renowned architect Peter Kent, 19A Whareora Terrace is on the open market for the first time. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Paris Holten, who is selling the property with colleague Nick de Latour, says Kent's design took inspiration from Chateau on the Park, the Hagley Park icon constructed for the Christchurch Commonwealth Games.
“It’s on the market for the first time ever. It's a much-loved family home that is ready for its next chapter, and buyers will appreciate its character, but you could definitely modernise it in different ways. The circle windows and the arched ceiling in the entranceway are pretty special and something you don’t see often,” she says.
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16 James Clendon Place, Russell, Far North | Price by negotiation
"Castell Bach" was designed as a modern homage to a Welsh castle and has an RV of $2.96m. It’s not just a spectacular residence; the land it sits on has enormous historical significance as the site of New Zealand’s first capital and the address of Governor William Hobson when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
A tower clock pendulum at the entrance sets the scene for the grandeur, but while the exterior screams medieval drama, interiors are refreshingly modern and comfortable. Views of Pipiroa Bay below, as well as down Veronica Channel toward Opua, Paihia and Waitangi, are maximised in the light-filled spaces within the main circular tower and adjacent wings. The wine cave and cellar, fondly known as “the dungeon”, is a castle must-have.
Castell Bach, at 16 James Clendon Place, in Russell, sits on land tied to New Zealand's historical roots. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent David Baguley, who is selling the property with colleague Irene Bremner, says: “The owners had a passion for castles, so they wanted a bach that would be functional as a house but have some elements going back to that castle theme. It’s a very private waterfront property. It’s got a separate flat for guests, and you can walk along the beach right below the property.”
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127 Tate Road, Te Kuiti, Waitomo | Price $849,000
In Te Kuiti, you can have your very own castle for under $1m. It’s located high upon the Tate Road hill on 1.65ha and has been adored by the current owners for 20 years.
The house unfolds over three levels, with interior detailing including exposed timber features, striking trusses and handcrafted doors. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms and lots of living spaces mean there is room for everyone to spread out and take in the mesmerising countryside views.
The "castle" at 127 Tate Road is one of the most affordable on the market. Photo / Supplied
Ray White listing agent Sam Baggot raves about the setting as well as the property itself. “It’s so beautiful up there, with views over town, the sun, the swimming pool and all the land. It’s a place you want to bring up a family and have your own little slice of paradise.”
She adds: “It’s something a little bit different and the vendors have actually bought something very similar down south.”
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222 Mt Horrible Road, Claremont, Timaru | By negotiation
Barfoot & Thompson agent Jane Klee says nothing can prepare you for the experience of seeing Castle Claremont in person. The 14-bedroom property was built with the finest granite at the end of the 19th century, taking artisans three years to complete.
“Stone masons and carpenters were sourced from England to come and build this exceptional home, and much of the interior woodwork was imported too. It has stood as a sentinel overlooking the district for 135-plus years - five generations - and will stand for many, many more,” she says in her listing.
The property was one time the residence of Lord Ranfurly as Governor of NZ, but TV fans will recognise it as the backdrop to the second season of The Traitors NZ, hosted at the time by Act Party hopeful Paul Henry.
222 Mt Horrible Road, in Claremont, Timaru, had a starring role in The Traitors NZ. Photo / Supplied
The current owner, Robert Young, picked it up some 20 years ago for $1.5m, telling OneRoof last year that he decided to buy within 30 minutes of setting foot on the estate.
“I came up the driveway and said to the driver, ‘Wait, I’m having this, I won’t be long’, and I was in and out within half an hour, and that was it – done.”
Over the years, he has hosted weddings, garden parties and vintage car meets at the estate, and run the main home as an Airbnb.
The castle's interior detailing is rich and elegant, with a dazzling array of authentic features and furnishings adorning the rooms. Upstairs there are a total of 10 bedrooms, “three of which are larger than many Auckland apartments and have their own ensuites”.
Nannies and servants have their own quarters. Also on the grounds of the 11.6ha estate are a chapel, a conference hall, two separate two-bedroom units and a forest.
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