- A historic Akaroa home is up for auction after falling into disrepair, listed "as is, where is".
- The five-bedroom villa, dating back to the 1860s, was used for nearly 60 years as holiday accommodation for journalists.
- The Corboy House Trust is selling due to financial constraints, seeking a low-maintenance replacement property in Akaroa.
A historic home in the Canterbury coastal town of Akaroa is heading to auction after falling into disrepair.
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Harcourts listing agent Jackie Maw says the "as is, where is" sale of the tired five-bedroom villa at 11 Rue Balguerie is a "rare opportunity" to buy one of Akaroa's landmark homes at an affordable price.
The property, which dates back to the 1860s and has an RV of $725,000, has been used for nearly 60 years as holiday accommodation for journalists.
Its life as a retreat began in 1967 after it was bought by a journalist with The Press, David Corboy, who subsequently transferred ownership to the local branch of the former NZ Journalists Association.
The villa has been used by journalists and union members as a holiday retreat since the late 1960s. Photo / Supplied
Listing agent Jackie Maw says the property has attracted a lot of buyer interest. "It would be great to see it done up." Photo / Supplied
It is now administered by the Corboy House Trust - a hat tip to Corboy - on behalf of the union E Tū.
Maw told OneRoof that she chanced upon the listing after chatting to a local Akaroa Mail journalist, who had written an article about the property and was aware the trust might be interested in selling.
“Long story short, I spoke with [one of the trustees]. The trust has run out of money. The place has fallen into disrepair, and they need it sold," she said.
“Part of the condition of sale is that I have to find another property in Akaroa. Something low maintenance and more amenable."
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Maw said the house had attracted considerable interest. "I had five parties through on the Friday before our first open home. It was a VIP viewing because [the trust] had already been approached by interested locals.
“I had a mum and dad looking for their son who's returning from Australia. I've had buffs who love projects.”
She added: “This is probably one of the most iconic historical properties that's fallen into disrepair but has come to market. It would be great to see it done up."
The property has an RV of $725,000 and has been pitched as affordable. Photo / Supplied
Maw said the cost-of-living crisis and the war in Iran had boosted interest in Akaroa’s holiday homes because of their proximity to Christchurch. "I'm dealing with a lot of people who are selling up in Queenstown, Wānaka, Twizel, and they're buying here in Akaroa."
Corboy House Trust president Austen Calder told OneRoof that he had holidayed at the property for about 15 years and over time had become involved in the trust.
He said that the trust’s kitty had run dry. “The value has increased, and the rates and insurances have skyrocketed. I have been dipping into my own pocket for a while, to pay rates [and other costs].”
- 11 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, goes to auction on July 2
