Magnificent Northland villa
TENDERS CLOSE on November 16 for an impeccable character home in Northland that’s on the market for the first time in 117 years.
The picturesque two-storey villa, at 5 Farm Rd, last changed hands 34 years ago and has had only three owners since it was built for the Platt family in 1900.
‘‘But it’s never been to market in 117 years,’’ Gael Van Hattum, of Harcourts, says.
The sunny 190-square-metre, weatherboard-and-iron-roof dwelling has been meticulously maintained and is on an elevated, landscaped 407sqm section, with an internal-access double-garage and off-street parking.
The leadlight front door opens into a central hall with a high stud, timber panelling, colonial skirting boards and gas central heating.
Off the hall are two of the double-bedrooms. The first has a bay window and opens to the veranda; the second has a lacework ceiling and the first of the house’s original fireplaces.
Also on this level are the first of two bathrooms – shower cabinet, vanity, toilet – and a ‘‘secret’’ passage to the doublegarage with its extensive storage.
A staircase with a feature leadlight ascends to the formal lounge, dining room, eat-in kitchen, main bedroom and second bathroom.
The modern lounge faces northeast over Northland, towards Mt Victoria and the O¯ rongorongos, and adjoins the main bedroom.
The latter has a similar outlook, includes a lacework ceiling and another original fireplace, and opens to the veranda.
The spacious kitchen has two Fisher & Paykel wall ovens, a fourburner gas hob, rangehood, Asko dishwasher, conservatory window and French doors to an al fresco courtyard with a giant palm, lavender bushes, and lemon and lime trees.
Steps ascend to two raised vegetable plots and an easy-care garden with stunning views.
The formal dining room faces the courtyard while the second bathroom has a claw-foot bath, shower cabinet, toilet and vanity.
Another feature of the house is the artwork that adorns it. It was created by one of the vendors, artist David Waterman, and is for sale separately.
‘‘This house is just magnificent,’’ Van Hattum says.
‘‘It’s beautifully presented, is in one of Northland’s better streets and will appeal to a wide range of buyers, from families and couples to those wanting an apartment alternative that they can lock up and leave without having to worry about maintenance while they’re away.’’
Van Hattum welcomes buyer inquiry from $1.4 million.