Villas are the quintessential homes of a bygone era. Built from hardwood native timbers with beautiful decorative features that can’t be duplicated today they are the embodiment of the design aesthetic of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Our style of living may have changed over the intervening years, but villas can offer a wonderful opportunity to create a home full of period charm combined with the comforts of modern living.
Some villas have been hashed about by past renovations, or reduced to a mere shell with a minimalist overlay. Here’s our choice of villas that have a timeless elegance and offer the potential for creating a unique home perfect for contemporary living.
Some of New Zealand’s most charming villas for sale
1. Grey Lynn Street Appeal
CV: $2,875,000 at Bayleys
Just a short stroll away from lively Ponsonby, this villa combines modern luxury with timeless appeal. The property has been loved and cared for, with top-quality fixtures, fittings and stunningly designed interiors.
With three large double bedrooms, two bathrooms and open-plan living, here you’ll be able to enjoy space and privacy.
2. Making a statement on Mt Victoria
$1,480,000 at Lowe & Co.
It’s sunny, it’s serene and it’s close to the city. What more could you ask for? This beauty of a four-bedroom home is situated in one of Mt Victoria’s loveliest and quietest streets, combining a leafy picturesque setting with off-street parking – great for when guests come over! The east-west aspect captures all day sun, but also incredible views from the Brooklyn wind turbine to Mount Kaukau.
3. Elegance of a bygone era
$2,325,000 at Barfoot & Thompson
This picture-perfect 1910 villa is the epitome of Devonport real estate. Step inside and you’ll be greeted with warm Kauri floorboards, high stud ceilings and sash windows. With four bedrooms in total, three bathrooms and two living areas, you’ll be able to stretch out and relax.
Beyond the north-facing deck, stairs descend to a gorgeous, garden, and the self-contained dwelling that’d be perfect as a guest suite or home office.
4. A timeless landmark homestead in Oratia
CV: $1,575,000, at Ray White
This two-storey kauri villa, dating back to around 1900, is an incredibly impressive example of buildings from its period. The house originally stood in Freemans Bay but was relocated to Oratia, exuding a rich history and character. The house is accessed up a long meandering driveway, and you’ll be immediately welcomed by a grand hallway entrance, high ceilings, polished native timber flooring and colonial features.
With four spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms (including a main ensuite) and multiple living areas, your family will feel right at home here. The house also includes a separate settler’s cottage for guests and a secluded office in the ‘secret garden’ to easily work from home. The abundant outdoor space is dotted with fruit trees, with a swimming pool that’ll get plenty of use in the summer.
5. An iconic villa in the heart of Cambridge
CV: $2,180,000, at Cambridge Real Estate
This lovely, renovated villa could be the perfect solution for anyone looking for some fresh country air. Double-gabled, with retained character features (we love all the stained glass), this villa features four bedrooms with a separate two-bedroom cottage for guests, teenagers, parents or grandparents.
You will fall in love with the character features in this home; pressed metal-tin ceilings, sash windows and original polished matai flooring. However, the villa has been improved for modern-day living with a new kitchen, ducted heating and seamless indoor-outdoor flow connecting the living areas with the large patio and garden.
6. A modern villa by the beach in sunny Whangamata
CV: $1,580,000, at Harcourts
This coastal villa could have been plucked from Parnell. With a stunning blend of classic villa character and modern convenience, this home offers the best of both worlds. This house stands out among a sea of Kiwi baches and modern homes, but offers the cosiness and comfort of character, and contemporary design.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday home or permanent residence, this home will ensure your opted lifestyle is one of peace and serenity. Just a short stroll to town, the harbour, marina and beach, living is easy here in Whangamata. With a garden full of established fruit trees, indoor-outdoor flow through gorgeous French doors and three bedrooms. Plus, it’s just picture-perfect!
7. Tresillian House, the epitome of Nelson heritage style
CV: $1,700,000, at Harcourts
This charming three-bedroom Victorian villa has been meticulously preserved and filled with historic charm. Showcasing ornate details such as roof finials, intricate cornices, native timbers, stained glass windows and cast iron fireplaces, this home is like going back in time.
Tresillian House would cater to families in need of plenty of space and ample outdoor living. Inside the elegant formal living and dining areas flow seamlessly to the verandah through the French doors, offering views of the landscaped gardens and the sea. The home also surprises with a self-contained apartment for visiting guests or long-term stays.
More property inspiration:
- The most expensive houses on the market right now
- A modern barn in Kumeū with a warm and inviting interior
- This Mount Maunganui beach house has had the golden touch
- A New Plymouth house masters the use of colour and texture
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