Chic renovation offers lifestyle and leisure in historic Waihi

There’s no escaping the vintage charm of Waihi’s history. Built around the lure of gold mining, it remains the lifeblood of this town. 2019 might go down in history as the tag of Covid, but it also signifies the year Waihi won the title of New Zealand’s most beautiful small town – and deservedly so. Rightly claiming to be New Zealand’s ‘heart of gold’, thanks to the continuing business of gold mining, Waihi proudly wears its heart on its sleeve – mining features and historical sights a huge attraction that draws visitors.

Having also celebrated Whangamata’s equally famous Beach Hop recently, Waihi’s warm-up party highlighted how closely aligned the town is with its neighbour’s annual event over the hill. It’s a further feather in Waihi’s cap and appeal as a place to live and enjoy the lifestyle.

Another key reason to love Waihi is its association with historic miners’ cottages. These classic homes are as integral to Waihi as the beach and beach hop is to Whangamata. Dotted throughout the town, they enhance the area’s history, and allow people to cherish the chance to revitalise them.

This property in the heart of Waihi is a superb example of what can be achieved with dedication and talent. Fully restored throughout in keeping with its original character, the thoughtful renovation has wisely blended contemporary design and modern features to elevate the home into the present day – and desires.

Elements like sash windows with their colonial styling, high-stud ceilings and traditional ‘front-porch’ verandah remain faithful to the narrative of a miner’s cottage. The rest however, infuses chic styling into a modern three-bedroom home – re-wired, re-plumbed, insulated and new bathrooms, complete with ensuite for the master bedroom. The kitchen is also new and offers cooks German appliances and space to prepare feasts for formal dining. Slipping outside through classic French doors to the privacy of a large sun deck at the rear, there’s ample room for the alfresco setting and outdoor lounge furniture. This is a large site at around 708 square metres – playground room for the kids and pets; plus good parking. Typically, there’s a separate garage – a sentimental feature from bygone days that gives men their own place to hide; tinkering in the workshop. There’s plenty of sealed parking for the car, truck and trailer. With the grounds fenced, landscaped with established trees and the cottage fully revitalised, it’s a charming setting. And so close to town – literally minutes to the supermarket, cafes and shops. With a park around the corner, schooling nearby and all the recreation and history in and around Waihi – walking and cycling through Karangahake; surfing and beachcombing at either Waihi Beach or Whangamata – this is laid-back lifestyle with a capital ‘L’.