Generations of Aucklanders have driven past this beautiful, early 1900s home, sitting proud on a 561sqm site, high above the harbour bridge approach and the current owner admits it was certainly the stunning views that sold him on the property – quite literally as soon as he saw it.
“It’s amazing, looking across Westhaven Marina, and beyond to the Hauraki Gulf, with Sky Tower, and of course the bridge itself,” he says.
The house had been sympathetically divided into four legal, self-contained units a few years ago and as a landlord, the owner says it’s been a very easy property in terms of enticing quality renters – with easy access to the viaduct and the CBD, as well as Herne Bay and Ponsonby.
“Since buying the place in 2019, there have only been a very few weeks that we’ve had one of them empty. It’s so close to everything you can almost always walk, and I think only one of the current tenants has a car.”
Start your property search
The largest unit has three bedrooms, a bathroom, plus an ensuite, as well as a dining room opening to a deck. A couple of two-bedroom flats also have generous floor plans and their own unique vistas, while a neat little one-bedder is compact and comfortable.
Keeping the property in good condition; painting internally and installing new carpets has been a priority for the owner, not only for his tenants’ comfort, but also because he appreciates the area’s rich heritage and the property’s part in it.
In Auckland’s early days, much of daily life revolved around this part of town, where wealthy merchants and boat builders constructed large kauri dwellings for themselves and their families.
“It’s amazing, looking across Westhaven Marina, and beyond to the Hauraki Gulf, with Sky Tower, and of course the bridge itself,” says the owner. Photo / Supplied
The house has been divided into four legal, self-contained units and the owner says it’s been easy to entice quality renters. Photo / Supplied
“I don’t know too much about the specific history of this house, but I have been told that at one stage many years ago a guy was running it as ‘The Tiki Bar’ and serving drinks to locals on a Friday!” he says.
While it’s an excellent rental property, the almost 500sqm floor area – plus a separate home office, could be truly magnificent if restored to single house status – especially if the outdoor areas including a roof-garden were used more effectively.
Other homes in the street regularly command high prices and St Marys Bay was an irresistible magnet to yachting fans when the America’s Cup was held in Auckland.
The largest unit has three bedrooms, followed by two, two-bedroom units and a neat little one-bedder. Photo / Supplied
Bayleys agent Cristina Casares says the property has plenty of exciting potential.
Cristina Casares sells many properties in this sought-after neighbourhood and agrees that apart from the views and the very convenience it enjoys, 5 London Street has plenty of exciting potential.
“Previously consented for two premium townhouses, and with historic existing use rights, this site really does have it all for those considering options for future development.”
The owner is moving on to a new project, but he’s enjoyed having this unique property.
“All of the tenants would like to stay on if possible, so I think that shows how desirable it is,” says Cristina.
- 5 London Street in St Marys Bay, Auckland, is for sale by set date, closing June 25
