144 and 148 Wharf Road, Ostend, Waiheke Island

Those were the days

The much-loved property, comprising two separate waterfront dwellings on two separate titles, has stayed in one family since 1948.
The larger house enjoys an elevated position, with pretty views up and down the aqua waters of Anzac Bay and over to the Te Whau peninsula and the mainland.
With its original native timber flooring and beautiful timber joinery intact, the house oozes genuine character and charm.
Much could be done to rework the spaces to create a stunning home which is sensitive to its bygone era.
The main, upper level provides a kitchen space, two bedroom areas, a spacious living room with delightful sea views and a back area with a bathroom and special lift set up for those with accessibility needs.
The huge, open-plan, lower floor is the adorable old tavern space, which has been so well preserved, it feels like it hasn't been touched since it was last full of reverie.
With its pretty sea views and vintage window seat, it cannot help but raise a smile, while ideas for its future use abound - perhaps as a massive rumpus space, a music studio, a meeting room, or a home office.
The second property could work as a visitor facility for the main house or be purchased separately.
It comprises one huge L-shaped room with pretty sea views through the pohutukawa, a bedroom nook, a kitchen area, a bathroom/laundry and storage space.
There's plenty of parking for both properties.
And a walking track at the end of the driveway leads to the water's edge for summer swims, while the boat can be launched just metres down the road at the boat ramp.
Renovations notwithstanding, there is no better time to secure an iconic piece of Waiheke Island history.