A landmark home in Whanganui has sold for only the third time in almost 120 years.
The 1905 villa on Durie Hill hit the market six months ago looking for offers over $800,000. However, it struggled to find a wide audience, given that it could only be reached by a walking track and required ongoing maintenance due to its age.
However, it was a hit with a couple from Feilding who had been contemplating moving back to Whanganui. They said the grand two-storey villa, which is etched in Whanganui’s history, “resonated with them”.
The exact sale price cannot be disclosed until after settlement, but the Rees Street property was spread over two titles and had a combined RV of $1.175 million.
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The grand home was built by a well-known musical family, Herbert and Ada Collier, and passed down three generations before the vendors, who had a love of older homes, were approached about buying it in 1988.
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It was also one of the most photographed properties in the city because it was in the background of almost every picture taken from the CBD of the Whanganui River over the last century.
Purchaser Willy Morrell told OneRoof the handy location to the city and the old Red Lion Hotel, the magical views across the city and the port and the beautiful condition of the home had been big selling points.
“These old homes are far from everyone’s cup of tea given the amount of maintenance involved, but the old native timber and craftsmanship is unreal and they do have a charm and feel about them that modern homes can’t capture.”
While the Morrells “kind of” had an interest in historic homes, it was the wood features and the character of Durie Hill which they really loved.
Its prominence on Durie Hill, in Whanganui, makes the historic villa one of the most photographed properties in the city. Photo / Supplied
The home still has a lot of its original fittings and fixtures including the original wooden blinds pictured in the lounge. Photo / Supplied
The couple were looking forward to moving in and living in the home before undertaking any ambitious renovations. However, Morrell added that he would be going shopping for several heat pumps to help warm up the uninsulated home with high four-metre stud ceilings before next winter.
Bayleys listing agent Carmel Harris was pleased to have found the perfect buyers for the special piece of the city’s history.
“This property is unique and really just wouldn’t suit everyone. It has gone to people who have a love of this style of home and happy to keep up the maintenance to continue to preserve this treasure.”
Harris said the home had been popular, especially with local artists, writers and musicians who wanted tranquillity.
The vendors, who had lived at the home for 36 years and raised their family there, were also happy with the outcome, she said. They had put the house on the market earlier this year because they planned to relocate out of the city.
“I am sure there will be plenty of emotions around leaving this stunning home and all the memories made over the years.”
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