Designer’s vintage cottage has royal secret
This former-ticket office turned family home, disguised as a post office and general store in Featherston, Wairarapa, is looking for a new postmaster.
It belongs to London-based Kiwi interior designer Neil McLachlan, who has had a lifelong love affair with vintage properties.
The creative mind behind the interiors of Queenstown’s Hulbert House, and the Heritage and George Hotels, as well as the rescuer of the grand old home 322 Oriental Parade – next door to the Victorian villa with the turret, McLachlan bought the home about five years ago.
“I’ve always been a collector and saver of old houses and buildings,” says McLachlan. He wanted to buy, “a little piece of New Zealand’s heritage”, to keep up his the connection with home.
Built in the 1900s, the the cottage started life in Napier, where it was a wayside railway station and ticket office. It was moved to Upper Hutt in the 90s, where it served as the registry office for the Magic Millions thoroughbred yearling sales at Trentham racecourse.
In 2000, its fortunes changed again, and it was moved to Featherston where it was converted into a home.
The architectural history tour continues in the property’s back yard, where a classic tote betting booth dating back to 1953 is ripe for refurbishment. The booth, which still has its original betting windows, was built in honour of the Queen’s Coronation visit.
“I had planned to turn it into accommodation, but I think it would make a fantastic home office,” says McLachlan. “The little $2 and $5 signs by the windows are just so wonderful.”
The main cottage has two bedrooms, and one bath and has been refurbished in the rustic style. Many of the home’s original character features have been preserved, such as the tall sash windows and original wooden floors.
In the kitchen, a vintage ceramic sink harks back to the pre dishwasher days. A copper cistern and claw-foot tub give the toilet and bathroom a Victorian vibe, while the copper theme continues in the entranceway, where copper flashing surrounds the wood burning fireplace.
Located about a block from the main drag of Featherston, the home is walking distance to the supermarket, and the town’s quaint cafés and shops. The train station is also nearby, with a regular service to Wellington that takes about 1½ hours.
“Featherston is a bit of a no brainer, really. The train ride to Wellington is wonderful. That’s one of the reasons I bought it, the train station is right there.”
McLachlan is seeking buyer enquiries over $549,000 for the 571m² property and has already received several offers. His ideal buyer would be a young professional family who love vintage houses as much as he does.
“I think the place is really special and I just think it’s important that we look after our heritage houses in New Zealand.”
The listing is with Jaime Slater AREINZ and Eva Wintle for Tremains.