- The waterfront home built by sailing legend James Davern sold for $4.4 million.
- The mid-century Point Chevalier house was sold less than a year after last changing hands.
- The buyers, a local family, were delighted with the property's unique design and location.
The waterfront home built by Kiwi sailing legend James Davern has sold for $4.4 million, less than a year after it last changed hands.
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The mid-century home on Harbour View Road, Point Chevalier, was put back on the market in mid-April after the new owners decided the house was “one too many”, said LJ Hooker listing agent Jason Trowbridge.
The vendors had paid around $4.3m for the three-bedroom house last year but had never moved into it. “They had a property on Waiheke Island and wanted to make this their escape within the city, but they decided it was [one house] too many,” Trowbridge told OneRoof.
The home was originally built in the 1960s for sailing champ James Davern. Photo / Supplied
“They were just putting their ducks in a row to begin their plans, but decided to make the most of their other properties.”
Trowbridge said that interest in the house was strong and that multiple offers had been made. The buyers were a local family, he said. “They were ecstatic, and just delighted to own it."
The agent said most of the people who viewed the property had come to it fresh. “There is certainly a strong demand for good, well-located property," he said, noting that the Harbour View Road was comfortable and boasted an "old-school, mid-century" design.
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“You can pay this sort of money for a pretty average house somewhere else. It’s just a question of moving in and enjoying it. It hasn’t been ruined," he said.
OneRoof records show waterfront homes in Point Chevalier have fetched top dollar in recent years, with one large estate selling to Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi and his pop star wife Rita Ora for more than $10m.
The 1118sqm property, which has a CV of $5.2m, is a standout for other reasons. I started life as the berth of James Davern, whose boat Fidelis made yachting history in 1966 when it won the Sydney to Hobart Race.
The house is a mid-century classic. Photo / Supplied
Davern’s extensive sailing history is reflected throughout the construction of the property; its decks are made from marine-grade timber, a boat ramp and boat house are included in the architecture, and the home is positioned right on the foreshore.
At the time the house went back on the market in April, Trowbridge told OneRoof that it was “one of the rarest offerings because it does have the riparian rights, and it’s only one of two with a private boat ramp directly into the harbour”.
“It’s a time warp to the 70s - the wide stairs, the lovely light, bright rooms.”
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