Historic Oriental Bay villa

TENDERS CLOSE on November 20 for a historic Oriental Bay villa with fantastic harbour views and privacy.

The five-bedroom house, at 33 Hay St, is on an elevated 520-square metre section adjoining the town belt.

‘‘It was built in 1890 and known as the first house off Hay Street,’’ the owners say.

‘‘We bought it because we loved the character, location and amazing views.’’

Originally a guesthouse, it was converted into two separate flats in the 1950s and tuned back into a single, two-storey home in 1979.

Since buying the north-facing 230sqm villa in 2011, the Wairarapa-bound vendors have repiled, stripped back and repainted or replaced weatherboards, reweighted and resealed the sash windows, rebuilt a west-facing veranda, relined the lower level and stained the floorboards, and landscaped a private al fresco terrace.

Access is pedestrian-only, ascending past a row of character

homes to steps that lead to the front door on one side and flat lawn, paved terracing and raised garden beds on the other.

‘‘We’ve never minded the walk up,’’ the vendors say. ‘‘It’s an easy stroll into town and a lovely way to unwind coming back from work.

‘‘It’s like coming home to a peaceful hideaway - and it’s kept our family fit.’’

The elevation also maximises sun and outlook, with a view from nearly every room on both levels.

High ceilings enhance the feeling of spaciousness, especially in the living/dining room, which has a new double-burning woodburner.

The adjoining kitchen has an electric range, dishwasher and a spectacular view across the harbour to Mount Kaukau.

The kitchen opens to an enclosed sun porch that steps out to the al fresco space on the edge of the town belt.

Also on the upper level are the main bedroom, another bedroom with extensive storage, the first of two full bathrooms, a storeroom and French doors to the verandah.

‘‘We love to watch the swimmers in Oriental Bay from here,’’ the vendors say. ‘‘It’s quite rare to have a view of the beach from this street.’’

Downstairs are three more double-bedrooms (one with feature Sanderson wallpaper, another with a mezzanine), a bathroom/laundry, and a media room.

‘‘This is a classic two-storey Oriental Bay villa with five bedrooms and the bonus of incredible storage and a large rumpus or media room,’’ Jane Higgie, of Tommy’s Real Estate, says.

‘‘The stunning views over the bay, city and harbour really make it worth the walk, and the living space is fabulous, with some opportunity to add value.’’