Villas are the quintessential homes of a bygone era. Built from native hardwood 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. One of Mt Victoria’s very best
CV: $2,840,000 at Lowe & Co Reality
Character villas are synonymous with Mt Victoria living, but few retain the original details from the early 20th century. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms and two living areas, you’ll feel right at home here while only a hop, skip and jump away from the city centre. Elevated for sun and views, enjoy alfresco seclusion on warm summer evenings while watching the sun set over Wellington. What more could you want?
2. Modernised villa meets cottage core
CV: $4,500,000 at Barfoot & Thompson
This charming villa, from the street, looks just like many others. Modern, private and charming. But once you walk through the front door, the home enchants its guests, blending heritage character with contemporary sophistication. Rumoured to be the original Harbourmaster’s House for Cox’s Bay, this home tells a story of the area through its various transformations, which, thankfully, have retained many of the original details.
This sale is a rarity, combining two titles as a two-bedroom cottage has been added to the property and is ready for redevelopment. The enchanting garden sits between the two homes, enhancing the property’s sense of sanctuary. Matrue trees frame the outlook, offering filtered light for al fresco dining.
3. A time-honoured transformation
$1,600,000 at Bayleys
If its timelessness you’re after, this villa is the home for you. Pass by the incredibly maintained front garden and over the charming verandah, and you’ll be met with an elegant, traditional villa that has been transformed for modern family living. The grand hallway is framed with graceful arches and guides you through ot the open-plan living area, perfect for entertaining.
You’ll fall in love with the quintessential villa details. Ceiling roses, led lights, and bay windows give it that heritage charm, while white shutters and linen window furnishings lend to a modern aesthetic, enhanced by a timeless colour palette.
4. Golden sunrise on the edge of the inlet
$1,420,000 at Bayleys
When you think of character villas, you typically think of suburban homes on tree-lined streets on the very edge of the city. This one, however, neighbours modern homes, fishing boats and mature trees, sitting on the water’s edge rather than busy transport routes. This home started its life exactly as you would expect of a 1904 character villa but was transported from Thorndon to the shores of the Pauatahanui Inlet to live out its days waking up to golden sunrises.
Thsi home blends the timeless elegance of the architecture with a modern, coastal interior. Leadlight windows, timber floors and high ceilings tell a story of a bygone era, yet the modernised kitchen brings luxury to the heart of the home.
5. A hideaway villa in Pelorus Sounds
CV: POA at Ray White
Can you imagine a villa accessible by boat? On the waterfront of Elie Bay in Pelorus Sounds, this home, which comes with its own jetty, is steeped in history. The house dates back to the late 1800s as the original Hopai station homestead and has since kept its rich heritage. With numerous sensitive restorations, this home is one of a kind.
Surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens, an orchard and mature native trees on 15,900 m2 of land, you’ll have plenty of time to explore your own backyard during your time spent here. Inside the villa, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a formal dining room, lounge and kitchen all are entered off the main hallway which runs through the home.
‘The Historic Boatel’ also sits on the property, which was built in the 1950s. Waiting for new owners to return it to its former glory, the boatel would provide a further four bedrooms with facilities, perfect for hosting family and friends throughout the year.
6. Shades of Summer in Stanley Bay
CV: $3,225,000 at Bayleys
Light-filled and surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden, this home is a real gem. The current owners have lived here for 28 years, and have put the love and care into restoring the character of the 1910s home, while keeping in touch with the unique details that honour its past, including the central woodburner which sets this home apart from the rest.
7. 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!
8. 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
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
