- A distinctive home by architect Roger Walker is heading to auction next month.
- The six-bedroom chateau in Hamilton has been home to art collector Nancy Caiger for 33 years.
- The property features unique design elements and offers potential for refreshment or redevelopment.
A distinctive home designed by top New Zealand architect Roger Walker more than 50 years ago is heading to auction next month.
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The six-bedroom chateau at 913 River Road, in Queenwood, Hamilton, has been the home of prominent Kiwi and art collector Nancy Caiger for the last 33 years.
When Caiger and her late husband Michael first visited the property while searching for a new home, he was convinced it was the one – and point-blank refused to view any more.
The property features signature Walker touches, including a spiral staircase and porthole windows. Photo / Supplied
The wooden beams and ceilings are a highlight. Photo / Supplied
The house is bathed in light. Supplied
“We walked up the lovely spiral staircase in the turret and at the top you’re looking out across [the river] to the golf course. We were fledgling golfers at the time, and as soon as he saw the golf course, it was love at first sight. It was paradise. He was sold straight away. I could not persuade my husband to look at any other house. It had to be this one,” she said.
Caiger also fell for the home’s charms. “Even though it was built in the 70s, it never looks dated. I love the very high rake ceilings. When you look up, you look at timber, and not a painted ceiling.”
She added: “I like being on the river, so you’re always looking across to St Andrews golf course. And I love the sunsets. But I’m at that stage in my life where I need to look for a different style of living, so I’ve moved into a lifestyle retirement community, and it’s time to say goodbye.”
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In her listing on OneRoof, Bayleys agent Jo Harris said the home, which has an RV of $1.7 million, sits on 1229sqm of land and is close to Swarbrick Landing.
“It is quirky, original, extremely liveable, and full of personality. From the circular tower and dramatic glazing to the timber-lined spaces, raked ceilings, unexpected rooms, and river outlooks, this is a property with character at every turn,” she said.
“For some buyers, this will be a chance to secure and celebrate a rare piece of New Zealand architectural history. For others, it may be the opportunity to refresh, redesign, or explore the development potential of a substantial River Road site in an exceptional riverside position.”
The house has six bedrooms and an RV of $1.7m. Photo / Supplied
The skylight is another Walker touch that delights. Photo / Supplied
Walker is one of New Zealand’s most influential and recognisable architects, best known for his unconventional designs and whimsical homes, which feature turrets, curved roofs, porthole windows, and bold colours and castle-like forms.
His work helped shape Wellington’s architectural identity and inspired generations of architects. Even decades after their construction, Walker homes continue to command attention in the property market.
Last year, a Walker-designed home in Lower Hutt sold within days of hitting the market. Vendor LJ Shaw told OneRoof that the buyers were instantly smitten with her five-bedroom “castle” on Stokes Valley Road. “They just fell in love with it,” she said.
- 913 River Road, Queenwood, Hamilton, goes to auction on August 12
