Versatility in former church hall

Buying a Normanby property gave Kaye a home and a business opportunity three-and-a-half years ago.

The home at 433 Waihi Rd in Normanby also allowed Kaye to enjoy life in Taranaki again.

‘‘My parents farmed in Hurleyville and later moved into Hawera, and I lived and worked in Hawera in my teens,’’ she explains.

‘‘I then lived overseas for 12 years and 15 years in the Bay of Plenty, but I have always visited family and friends in Hawera and was thrilled to be living here again.’’

The business opportunity Kaye has developed here could also have appeal for this property’s next owners.

‘‘I looked for a property that would also be able to generate an income to help me with a mortgage, as I purchased the local Stops taxi business at the same time. When I looked at this property, I immediately saw its potential for hosting bigger groups and families. I listed it on AirBnB as sleeping up to 10 guests, sometimes more, and my first guests stayed in December 2018.

‘‘It has been a pleasure to host a wide variety of guests - I have quite a few repeat guests and due to positive reviews I have earned ‘superhost’ status, which was my goal.’’

The space to accommodate extra people is explained by the unusual history of church movements here.

It started when the original Normanby church, built in 1879, was moved to 433 Waihi Rd in 1910. That was later demolished and in 1971 an old church hall was moved from Fantham St in Hawera on to the Normanby section, where it saw a number of extensions and renovations over the years.

Kaye has enjoyed the unique nature of the transformed hall building.

‘‘It’s bigger than it looks from the road, and I love the high ceilings, but it still has a cosy feel.’’

Known as ‘The Dorm’, the 161sqm building comprises an office at the front, leading into the spacious open hall that still celebrates its church architecture - the high rimu-battened ceilings and rimu tongue-and-groove panelling halfway up the walls.

There are kitchenette and bathroom facilities to cater to the families and groups that stay here, while the owners enjoy their own self-contained, one-bedroom flat in an extension at the rear of the building.

Kaye is selling this unique property to move into Hawera for better operation of her taxi business, which has now grown to five cars and drivers.

‘‘Otherwise, I would happily stay on.’’

Metcalfe Real Estate consultant Scott Roberts says there is real versatility in this property, beyond its present AirBnB focus. ‘‘Conventional residential living can easily be provided with options for three bedrooms, two living spaces, and two bathrooms - or the spaces can be used to work from home.’’

Viewing: Website:

Agent:

Phone: Email: