They’re a familiar sight to Aucklanders heading to or from the city’s waterfront suburbs and whenever one of 17 historic Ngapipi Road boatsheds – situated on the water at Hobson Bay, near the intersection with Tamaki Drive – comes to market, there’s plenty of interest.
Not surprisingly, this latest listing is no exception.
The boathouses were constructed during the 1930s when Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers were largely holiday suburbs, visited by boat at weekends by Aucklanders living in and around the CBD.
The current owner says that she has owned boatshed number 11 for 10 years. It had been in the same family for about five years previously.
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“At the time our girls were into sailing, so for the first few years we used it as a boat shed then, as they got older, I had it as my art studio.
“We found that it was also perfect for entertaining, and we’ve enjoyed many happy occasions here – including my daughters 21st and lots of other milestone birthdays, as well as my annual Christmas lunch for friends.”
The owner says that the piles, walls and roof have been replaced, then carefully maintained during her family’s tenure, and the interior, with its lovingly restored wooden beams and flooring has handsome glass joinery to enhance the natural light and water views.
Bayleys agent Matt Bayley says interest in boatshed number 11 has been steady. Photo / Supplied
The boathouses were built in the 1930s when Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers were largely holiday suburbs, visited by boat at weekends by Aucklanders living in and around the CBD. Photo / Supplied
“When I lived in Remuera, it was easy to come down and use the boathouse for socialising – or simply throw open the doors and enjoy the spectacular sunsets, but now I’m on Waiheke it doesn’t get used as much as it deserves.
“I think it’s time for it to go to someone else, who appreciates what a special place this is and wants to put their own mark on it.”
While most of the boathouses are used as offices or entertaining spaces, or even television filming locations, as seen on Three’s David Lomas Investigates, one of them is still occupied by a genuine boat builder.
This is a heritage site, and the sheds are protected as an example of 1930s architecture. Council requires that the cream and green colour scheme is adhered to, so that they all look roughly the same outside.
The current owner has used it to house their boat, as an art studio and an entertainment and events venue over the last 10 years of ownership. Photo / Supplied
The piles, walls and roof have been replaced, and carefully maintained. Photo / Supplied
Matt Bayley, from Bayleys, says that interest in boatshed number 11 has already been steady, with people intrigued to see what lies inside.
“It’s currently being used as an amazing entertainment and event venue. However, this is a 100sqm blank canvas with plenty of possibilities. It could be used as a man-cave, she-shed, an office, or even to store a boat, which is what our vendors did originally.”
He says that Boatshed 11 already has a ramp, which puts it at an advantage and a new purchaser could install rails for their jet skis or a larger boat if they wanted to.
“It’s perfectly orientated west and the pink skies at sunset are simply sensational.”
11/1 Ngapipi Road in Orakei, Auckland, is on the market for sale, heading to auction on April 30.
- Sponsored by Bayleys
