Securing a waterfront property in Wellington can challenging, especially if you're on a tight budget. But there are affordable options out there - you just have to think creatively.
You won't be able to live there, but one of 15 original timber boatsheds along Evans Bay Parade, in Hataitai, could be one such way.
The boatshed has been placed on the market for sale after 30 years in the same ownership, and with its dark green painted weatherboards, white trim and grey iron gable roof, it is one of the more classically-presented properties along this much-photographed stretch of Evans Bay.
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Boatshed 140, which will be auctioned on december 5, faces out to Evans Bay and the Miramar Peninsula to the east, and offers 56.16sq m (including jetty). It boasts a fully-consented toilet, shower and kitchenette with hot water cylinder, while interior walls and floors are original.
Ethan Hourigan, of Bayleys Wellington, says residential occupation is not permitted, "with our understanding being that the preferred usage is for water-related activity”.
“The boatsheds can be repaired and maintained, but must not be physically extended or altered externally without first obtaining council consent and building permits.”
While the existing coastal permit for this boatshed expires in September 2020, the vendor understands that once renewed, it is likely to be valid beyond 2030.
“This permit is currently in the process of being renewed and the licence to occupy is transferable to a new owner."
It is rare for boatsheds to come to the open market in the Wellington region. In Auckland, similar boatsheds have commanded premium prices.
Bayleys Wellington commercial managing director Mark Hourigan says the 15 boatsheds were originally built for the storage and maintenance of small boats and associated boating gear, and they largely remain used for this purpose today.
“However, some lateral thinking has seen some owners in recent years optimising the location and uniqueness of the sheds and creating innovative work spaces and ‘man/woman caves’.”
The Evans Bay boatsheds have historic significance for their longevity and largely-original exteriors and are socially-significant for the role they have played in Wellington’s boating community.
“Wellington Harbour is renowned for the opportunities it presents for sailing and fishing and many of the boatshed owners today are active in these areas,” says Hourigan.
“The sheds are perfect for storing small boats, optimist yachts, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and will appeal to people who would like a base for their water pursuits without needing to rent a lock-up or storage unit in an industrial area.
“Equally, some owners are combining their love of the water with an office work space and there are some great examples of these multi-purpose sheds along the Parade.”
Evans Bay Parade, which stretches 4.3km from Oriental Parade to Rongotai Road, is one of the longest roads in Wellington and historically, was the focal point for boating and other sea-orientated activity.
It was home to the training base for the Wellington Navals' Association in 1896 and 1897 and in 1918, Evans Bay Yacht and Motor Boat Club was founded with its clubhouse used as the customs and immigration point for flying boats from the late-1940s until the mid-1950s.
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