100-Year-Old New Zealand Mansion Lists For $8.2 Million
The home is one of the largest historic homes in the Wellington suburb of Khandallah, and boasts a 4,000-bottle wine cellar
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One of the largest historic and most recognisable homes in a suburb of Wellington, New Zealand, has hit the market for NZ$9 million (A$8.2 million).
Located in Khandallah, about 8km north of Wellington, the 720sqm residence was designed by a prominent local architect Joseph Dawson and completed in 1929.
“It retains a high level of exterior authenticity in design, craftsmanship and materials,” according to Wellington Heritage, a local preservation group. “This house has significant townscape values; it is a local landmark that contributes greatly to the character and sense of place in Khandallah.”
Known as Box Hill, the Neo Georgian-style abode is also significant because it was built for local luminary Robert Barnes Gibbons. He was a car importer for the Colonial Motors Company, and the first to bring the Ford brand to New Zealand, according to Anthony Morsinkhof of PQ Property Intelligence/Forbes Global Properties, who listed the property earlier this month.
“It is one of the largest historic residential properties in Wellington,” Mr. Morsinkhof said in an email. “Khandallah is close to Wellington [central business district], with extraordinary views of the harbor…it is considered one of the most prestigious suburbs of Wellington.”
The five-bedroom, five-bathroom mansion has been a popular spot for social gatherings over the years, the agent added. It features an entrance hall clad in Queensland maple—a local species also known as red beech—with a grand staircase, and oak-paneled reception rooms and surrounding park-like grounds, according to the listing. There’s also a dining room that can seat about 100 guests.
“The icing on the cake in the entertainment realm is to discover that Box Hill is blessed with one of the best private home wine cellars, with capacity for 4,000 bottles stored in humidity and temperature-controlled conditions,” according to the listing.
The home last sold in 2006 for NZ$1.85 million, according to records with Propertyvalue, CoreLogic’s property website in New Zealand. The sellers were not immediately available for comment.
Wellington’s luxury housing market slipped in the first quarter of 2022, according to Mr. Morsinkhof. Both the number of transactions and the prices have dropped, with the median price of a home priced over NZ$3 million falling to NZ$3.3 million, compared to NZ$4.23 million at the same time last year.
“The Covid outbreak peaked in this period and many people were—due to isolation requirements—not able to leave their homes and buy or sell property,” Mr. Morsinkhof said. “However, since the loosening of Covid restrictions at the end of March we are seeing significant increase in inquiries for high-end property.”
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There’s no shortage of design inspiration online but nothing beats the joy of spending an afternoon immersing yourself in a good interior design book. Edited, carefully curated and, above all, designed, these titles take you behind the scenes of some of the world’s most beautiful interiors in a considered way. Think of it like the difference between listening to a few tunes on Spotify versus releasing a thoughtfully crafted studio album. We’ve assembled our top six of interior design books on the market right now for your viewing and reading pleasure.
1. Interiors beyond the primary palette
Step inside the world of award-winning interior design duo Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke in this, their first compendium of their work. A ‘best of’ over more than 15 years working together, it’s a masterclass in working with colour and pattern as seen through 18 projects from around the country. With a focus on the idea of home as sanctuary, this hefty tome offers insight into the mind of the designer with points on where to find inspiration, meeting client briefs and the importance of relationships. Thames & Hudson, $120
2 House of Joy
If there was ever a book title for our times, then this is it. With a subtitle of Playful Homes and Cheerful Living, this book champions fun in interior design, with bold and bright homes from around the world to delight and inspire. While there’s a good dose of the unexpected, like a disco ball in the garden, there’s no mayhem in these spaces. Instead, they’re beautifully executed to tempt even the most colour shy. Gestalten, $105
3. Abigail Ahern Masterclass
Some design books are beautiful to look at, and that’s it. This is not one of those books. A master of colour and pattern, UK designer Ahern offers a practical foundational guide to beautiful interiors, mixing form with function in her latest book, Masterclass. Find the inspiration you need to create a gorgeous home. HarperCollins, $65
4. Interiors Now!
Looking for a visual crash course in international design trends with longevity? This is the book for you. Featuring homes across the globe, from New York to Auckland via Avignon, the biggest dilemma for readers is settling on a style. Many of the projects are owned by designers and creatives, lending a dynamic edge to this tome, now in its 40th year. Taschen, $50
5. Home by the Sea
For many Australians, the ocean holds an almost hypnotic appeal. Home by the Sea by Natalie Walton lets you imagine, for a little while at least, what it’s like living the dream in a beach shack in Byron Bay. The book tours 18 homes in and around the region and the hinterland owned by artists, designers and makers. With photography by Amelia Fullarton, it champions the good life. Hardie Grant, $60
6. The Layered Interior
Released last year, this is the third volume from award-winning interior designer Greg Natale. Different in format from his earlier books, the eight projects featured are Australian but with a slight Euro-centric focus. The writing is conversational, almost intimate, inviting the reader into the most luxurious spaces beautifully captured by photographer Anson Smart. This coffee table tome is perfect for dreamers and doers alike. Rizzoli, $110
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