Messines masterpiece is full of character

TENDERS CLOSE on February 7 for a magnificent villa with outstanding views and grounds.

The exceptionally sunny and spacious five-bedroom house, at 91 Messines Rd, combines spectacular city and harbour views with Edwardian character and 1318 square metres of leafy seclusion in one of Karori’s best streets.

Built in about 1908, the 320sqm weatherboard and iron roof dwelling retains many of its original features, including magnificent kauri ceilings, and has two turrets.

Vendor Sarah Cotgreave, who’s relocating to Martinborough, understands the three-storey house was built for a ship’s captain, hence its 180-degree harbour and Cook Strait views.

She bought it five years ago for its character and size. “It’s a really good home for entertaining,” she says of the expansive living areas that open to wraparound veranda.

She also loves the garden, with its natives, roses, lavenders and extensive lawn (including a terrace with a stylish shed that she dubs the “lower hut”).

“It reminds me of an English country home,” she says. “It’s quiet and secluded, and you’re not overlooked by neighbours.

“You would never think you were living so close to the city.”

As well as being planted for privacy and splendour, the property borders Zealandia and has electric double gates, two garages - one with internal access, the other with street access and storage - and ample gated parking.

There’s also a path that leads past a dell to the front door, which opens into a central hall with a TV room or library to the right and the formal living and dining rooms to the left.

The latter face north and lead to the large eat-in kitchen with a charming bay window seat, Beko double oven, ceramic cooktop, rangehood and dishwasher.

The kitchen opens to the same deck as the main bedroom, which has two ensuites: one with a shower and toilet, the other with just a freestanding bath from which to soak up one of the best views of Wellington.

Also on this level are a bathroom, with a shower-overbath and substantial hideaway laundry, and an office, home gym or sixth bedroom, while on the top level is a second double bedroom, with a balcony.

The rest of the bedrooms are on the ground floor, along with another bathroom and rose-clad veranda that steps out to garden and patio.

Other features include gas central heating, central vacuuming, and extensive cupboard and loft storage.

“Few Wellington villas boast the sun, space and views of this remarkable home,” Craig Lowe, of Lowe & Co Realty, says.

“It’s vast and versatile, and is in an exceptionally safe and secure street barely five minutes’ drive ADDRESS: 91 Messines Rd, Karori. AGENTS: Craig Lowe, 021 764 647 and Aaron Nation, 027 555 5881. Tomorrow, 3pm3.30pm. from the CBD.”

The property has a rateable value of $1.87 million.