Loads of charm in old villa
No kitchen, power or water — but tipped to sell for millions.
It has no water, no power and no kitchen — but a derelict 1915 Auckland villa that has not been lived in for 10 years is expected to sell for millions.
The two-storey home on one of Devonport’s most sought-after streets has all the charm of yesteryear but requires a full renovation.
Once a grand family home. No. 19 Rattray St started life as a one-level brick villa and in the 1920s another bungalow-style level was added. During the Depression the house became a boarding home and was later divided into four flats.
No one has lived in the sevenbedroom home for the past 10 years. But the peeling paint and wallpaper haven’t put off potential buyers.
“People love it and have stayed at the open homes for the full hour,” Barfoot & Thompson agent Sue Harrison said. “There has been talk of a full restoration into a family home and others who would keep it in four apartments.”
With a floor area of 300 sq m the possibilities are endless, Harrison said. “It would be amazing if it was renovated, it has plenty of original features from the fireplaces, sarking on the walls and beautiful floors.
“The views are amazing and it is within walking distance to restaurants in the village and the ferry.”
The house was in the same family for many years but sold last November for $1.955 million. Harrison said the last buyer couldn’t go through with the planned restoration.
During the last sale, the house grabbed the attention of The Block NZ site foreman, and Devonport local, Peter Wolfkamp. He said despite needing a complete restoration the house was charming and unique.
“Downstairs is pure villa with its wide hallways, architraves, wide arches and high ceilings, which are all original,” Wolfkamp said.
“Upstairs is pure bungalow, which makes the house very unique and that curiosity is part of its charm and history.” Wolfkamp hoped the next owner was passionate about heritage homes and respectful of its history.
“It’s not for the faint-hearted but it is a home with significant local history and it would be nice to see it restored sympathetically.
Restored houses of similar size and character are valued at about $4m.
Andrea Rush of property valuation company QV said Devonport was a heritage area and the house had a huge amount of potential.
“A property in such close proximity to everything Devonport has to offer is already valuable,” Rush said. “If a two-storey home with beautiful old timber, high ceilings and sea views like this was restored would be invaluable.”
Figures from QV show the suburb has a median house value of $1,634,500 and 5 per cent growth annually.
The tender process for the home ends on May 16, if the property hasn’t been sold earlier. it