Charming house comes with a catch
Looking for a new rental? How about a 130-year-old Victorian home?
If you have a thing for cast-iron fireplaces and settler’s gardens and don’t mind a council landlord Wellington’s historic Halfway House might be the place for you.
Built in 1885 and set on the Glenside Reserve, the property is owned by the Wellington City Council, which is looking for a new tenant.
Ideally the home would be used for a commercial operation or a community service but residential options weren’t off the table, a council spokeswoman said.
There is a catch: The tenant will have to share the house - two downstairs community rooms and toilets will be used weekly and the entire house needs to be available once or twice a year.
Up for lease are the downstairs kitchen, dining and living rooms while the upstairs boasts four double bedrooms and a bathroom.
Built by Alexander and Margaret Brown, the property got its name because of its location on the main route between Wellington and Porirua.
It was used as a stopping point for travellers, sits on public land and is an example of the style used in the early period of European settlement in New Zealand.
The council bought the house and land in 1951 then leased the house until about 1997. It tried to sell it in 2003 but nearby residents fought the decision and persuaded the council to redevelop it.
Renovations began in 2012 and included new piles and a new roof and weatherboards were replaced.
The Glenside Progressive Association had championed the house’s restoration since 2001, president Claire Bibby said.
‘‘We’re really pleased that after all this time it has finally come to fruition.’’
She particularly loved the Victorian farm garden volunteers had created, using plants that would have been available before 1900.
‘‘It gives a real sense of the scent, touch and look they would have had back then. We even had a typical colonial experience of dealing with the pukekos who kept trying to pull them out.’’
❚ The Halfway House is having an open day tomorrow, from 10am, as part of Wellington City Heritage Week. The public can experience the history and cultural heritage of the site up close and personal. More information can be found at wellingtoncityheritageweek.co.nz
❚ For more information about the tender process visit this website: wellington.govt.nz/halfwayhouse.