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.
This week we go back in time to look at some of New Zealand’s oldest homes. The five properties profiled below date back to the late 19th century, and their heritage status is certainly striking a chord with many buyers. When you are 150 years old, you’ll have seen some stuff and have stories to tell.
7 Symonds Street, Onehunga, Auckland | By negotiation
Located within its own private park – a 3176sqm freehold site in the heart of Onehunga – Taiho is an 1860s north-facing villa. The grand five-bedroom, two-bathroom home is resplendent with original detailing inside and out – think leadlights, polished timber floors, high ceilings and a classic veranda where many a discussion has been held.
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In 2016, the kitchen and dining areas enjoyed a fabulous refresh by Salmon Reed, creating an open-plan space that flows out to a landscaped courtyard and pool.
Taiho Villa, at 7 Symonds Street, in Auckland’s Onehunga, dates back to the 1860s. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen was updated in the last 10 years. Photo / Supplied
Ray White listing agent Rohan Thompson says this is a landmark home that’s ready for its next chapter. “With the land size, there’s scope to make the home bigger. The grounds are amazing; you’re in the city and so accessible, but you’re in your own park. You’ve also got the historic nature of both the home and the area.”
The property has an RV of $5.35m, one of the highest in the working-class suburb.
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1 Cobourne Place, Port Waikato, Auckland | Asking price $1.219m
Known as “The Pilot House”, this Port Waikato property is steeped in local history. Barfoot & Thompson listing agent Paula Tuhaka says that in the 1860s, the flat land the home sits on housed army officer quarters during the Waikato Wars. Later, as the port became a vital commercial hub, a harbour master was appointed to guide ships safely across the bar and upriver. The Pilot House was built on the site for its commanding views, and has been a landmark ever since.
The Pilot House at 1 Cobourne Place, in Port Waikato, has been tastefully restored. Photo / Supplied
The three-bedroom villa has been tastefully updated over the years but still retains its original features. Timber finishes throughout create a warm, authentic ambience and the house is enveloped within beautifully landscaped gardens.
Tuhaka says the view from the house is impressive. “It’s up on that hill, and you’ve got 180-degree views out to the Waikato River. Every bedroom has a view, and it’s built really well.”
She says the vendors are now meeting the market, and have reduced the price to $1.219m.
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4 Russell Esplanade, Rawene, Far North | Asking price $880,000
Barfoot & Thompson agent Suzy Carmody is selling a majestic Rawene property that’s known locally as The Wharf House. The beautifully restored 1870s landmark home embraces the Hokianga Harbour and could be used as an elegant private residence or a boutique accommodation venture.
Carmody calls the restoration “amazing” and says there are opportunities galore here.
The Wharf House at 4 Russell Esplanade, in Rawene, could be run as a boutique hotel. Photo / Supplied
“It’s a beauty. The renovation went on for several years and has been done with absolute passion. The furnishings are so in keeping with the house and come with the property, so it could easily be set up as a small boutique hotel. It’s positioned in exactly the right spot, right by the ferry, and has views over the water.”
“The five bedrooms are so in character, and one has disabled access. It could work so well for early retirees who want to get off the beaten track and Rawene is such a wonderful place to live.”
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160 Yarrow Street, Invercargill | Asking price $349,000
Believed to date back to the 1870s, this Category Two historic worker’s cottage encapsulates more than 150 years of Invercargill history. Around 70sqm, the tidy two-beddy had its exterior weatherboards replaced in 2017 and repainted in 2022, in keeping with the heritage look.
According to Heritage.org.nz, its first two owners were women: Maria Elphinstone, who was granted the title in April 1865; and Invercargill widow Anne McKay, who took out a mortgage on it in 1884.
The worker’s cottage at 160 Yarrow Street, in Invercargill, is well known to locals. Photo / Supplied
The cottage is a “salt box” gable with a lean-to at the rear for kitchen and services, a style typical of modest cottages.
Harcourts listing agent Travis Kane says the property is in a good location. “You’re right in the city. It’s been very well looked after, so the longevity’s also there – another 100 years perhaps!
“I’ve got people ringing up to say that they drive past it all the time and have always wondered about it.”
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30 Roxburgh Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington | Enquiries over $1.695m
This five-bedroom home is resplendent in historical detail and character, and has been cherished over a century and a half. It was bought by the current owner and his late wife in 1983, and has been tastefully restored, with the thoughtfully designed kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and the stunning garden room all attracting attention.
Unique features include a hand-hewn well dating back to the 1800s, discovered during renovations and incorporated as a striking feature within the kitchen. Other standout elements are the octagonal dining room, which showcases recycled Gothic windows sourced locally, and historic pendant lights originally from Government House.
30 Roxburgh Street, in Mount Victoria, Wellington, dates back to the 1860s. Photo / Supplied
The octagonal dining room is a standout feature. Photo / Supplied
Tommy’s Real Estate agent Anastasia Kontopos-Hickey says: “It’s got heart and you really feel that when you walk into it. The location is also amazing, and it’s got double garaging and a private, sunny garden, which are a rarity in Mount Victoria.”
“It’s still standing and beautiful all these years later, and those homes age with such grace. The older they get, the more beautiful they become.”
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