Waiheke tour to sparkle with home gems
Some of Waiheke’s most beautiful houses are opening their doors to raise funds for the island’s art gallery. The Wonderful Waiheke House Tour is in its seventh year, with this year’s properties being chosen for their impressive vistas.
The $160 tour, which is run by the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, includes visits to seven properties, lunch at Batch winery and a tour of the gallery itself which is running two major exhibitions.
Gallery director Linda Chalmers said this year’s homes all boasted sea views and were spread from Oneroa to Onetangi, to give people a tour of the island as well as the houses.
“Everyone really enjoys this unique day of art and architecture on Waiheke Island back-dropped by stunning coastal views. Each fabulous home has a distinct location, personality and vibe,” Chalmers said.
Included in the line-up of homes was a cottage with a “bachy feel”.
The cottage is owned by French Country founder Sonia West and her husband Peter and has been in the family for 50 years. It was revamped five years ago and is filled with art and quirky antiques, which she has collected through her homeware business.
Another home at Palm Beach has undergone three renovations and now includes a caboose that was originally a sleeping carriage built for the Main Trunk Line 113 years ago and is now used as a sleepout.
Also on the trail is a property in Te Whau with an impressive statue at the entrance carved from Oamaru stone, a clifftop property overlooking Onetangi with a dramatic high pitched roof, a house with three twostorey towers, a holiday home made from concrete, aluminium and glass on Korora Rd and an unassuming home on Seaview Rd showcasing the owners’ passion for art.
Bus-tour tickets for the February 20 event cost $160 or self-drive tickets are $95. Go to waihekeartgallery.org.nz