Isolated, tranquil and surrounded by birdsong, it’s easy to see the appeal of the majestic Marlborough Sounds. To help you turn your dream into a reality, we’ve rounded up our favourite baches for sale right now
These baches for sale in the Marlborough Sounds are the epitome of laid-back living
The dramatic beauty of the Sounds has been attracting holidaymakers for many years, with families from Blenheim, Havelock, Picton, Christchurch and Wellington targeting it as a recreational destination.
It’s easy to see why as the fiords offer serene hideaways, many with spectacular views, surrounding native bush and birdlife, exceptional fishing and diving and wonderful scenic cruising for keen boaties.
Many homes are isolated with water access only, and buyers need to check out the adequate provision of services such as power, heating, water, and septic tanks, and also cell and internet coverage if that is important. Nearby community jetties, boat ramps and mooring will also be a consideration if there is no road access to properties.
1. What a view!
This two-bedder may be a modest little bach but the location and outlook are exceptional. Sited on a 1224m2 bush-fringed block it’s the perfect spot to chill out, listening to the birdsong while you drink up the views over beautiful Whatanihi Bay from the two decks.
Stroll down to the water’s edge for a spot of fishing or paddle boarding, then relax in the open plan kitchen and lounge area and enjoy the gorgeous panorama. There’s a sleep out for extra guests and plenty of space on the level lawn to pitch a few tents.
Despite feeling totally away from it all, it’s only a 15-minute boat trip from Havelock, and there’s a communal jetty close by, as well as two moorings. All the practicalities are taken care of with solar power, generator, gas, septic tank and a wet back log fire. The added bonus is there’s good cell phone coverage, a land line and internet via wif-fi.
2. Ocean’s bounty
This original three-bedroom Whakitenga Bay bach could do with a bit of TLC to reach its true potential but there’s nothing that needs to be done to improve the serenity of the deep 14810m2 bush-clad block.
You’ll be enjoying the ocean’s bounty at meal times in the generous open plan kitchen and living area year round as all the insulation is taken care of and the house is served by gas and a generator, with water rights to a neighbouring creek.
By the time you’ve made the 20-minute boat ride from Okiwi Bay to your little piece of paradise you’ll already be in full holiday mode.
3. Tranquil hideaway
You’ll really be far away from the madding holiday crowd at this tidy three-bedroom bach. It’s not flash, but has plenty of space for the family to relax and the generous deck that spans the front of the home is the perfect spot to enjoy a barbie while you look out over the serene bay and the surrounding bush.
Power is taken care of by a generator, batteries, solar and wind turbine power and there’s a storage shed by the beach for all your gear.
It may take a little longer to get to, with transport options from both Blenheim and Havelock, but once here you can unwind in a truly tranquil hideaway.
4. Sleek sophisticate
There’s absolutely nothing to be done in this Malborough Sounds new build that has all the creature comforts of home. You’ll love entertaining in the sleek kitchen with its top-of-the-line Bosch appliances.
While you rustle up a meal you can chat to your guests in the spacious open plan living area that flows through bifolds onto a generous, sunny deck with engaging views over the valley’s greenery.
There are four bedrooms with lovely outlooks and you can have a relaxing soak in the bath in one of the two tiled bathrooms after a day enjoying water sports. There’s easy access to this sophisticated holiday home sitting on a whopping 2720m2 elevated block, with plenty of room to park and turn boats and caravans.
5. Create a haven
New builds in Marlborough are notoriously challenging with steep sites being the norm and the complications of transporting building materials and providing services such as power.
This 5,148m2 site in pretty Oyster Bay offers the perfect opportunity for you to create your dream holiday home without any hassles — it’s only a 30-minute drive on good roads from Picton and already has mains power to the site.
This area is known for its great fishing and diving and the section is only a short walk to the bay and there’s plenty of room to park the boat on your property and launch it at the nearby boat ramp. A fabulous chance to enjoy holidays at this lovely location.
6. Kiwi cutie
This little cutie offers the perfect chance to build happy memories without breaking the bank. This original Kiwi bach could do with a bit of an interior makeover, but it has lovely restful green outlooks from each room and a captivating view over pretty Sandy Bay from the deck.
There’s plenty of level land out the back of the two-bedroom bach, so there are opportunities to extend if you want. There’s lots of storage for all your paraphernalia under the house to take advantage of the great fishing this area is renowned for, with the beach only a stroll away.
The good news is that Sandy Bay is just over an hour’s drive on sealed roads from Havelock or Picton, however once there you’ll have to be prepared for a short walk up to your little retreat – it has no drive-on access.
7. Just move in
This is the first time this immaculate home has been on the market in 30 years and it’s easy to see why the vendors have treasured it for so long. With breathtaking views over Kenepuru Sound and the privacy afforded by the 825m2 of surrounding bush this is a wonderful peaceful retreat.
With four bedrooms, two bathrooms and generous living areas, it will make a perfect spot for entertaining family and friends and enjoying water sports and fishing in the bay.
There’s easy drive-on access, a double garage and registered mooring so holiday activities will be effortless. This home is for sale fully furnished — moving in will be a breeze.
8. The wow factor
Wow! If you want views to die for, then you won’t get much better than the panoramic outlook over Pelorus Sounds that this three-bedroom home enjoys. The large open plan living flows out to a north-facing deck where you can soak up the sun and marvel at spectacular sunsets over the water.
You’ll love cooking for friends and family in the modern kitchen that has fabulous views over the pretty bay. Two bathrooms, a study area, wet room and large two-car garaging, plus carports mean that all the practicalities are taken care of.
Launch your boat from the ramp nearby and savour summer days in this beautiful area.
9. Peace and quiet
This is a great way to get foothold in gorgeous Pelorus Sound. The two-bedroom house is set on an impressive 8169m2 section and has water access only but once you’ve made the 45-minute boat trip from Havelock, you’ll have all the peace you’ve dreamed of.
The decks that feature on two sides of the house offer glimpses of the sea, which you can reach via a well-maintained track. Solar power, gas cooking, and septic tank are all installed and the Hardiplank and Coloursteel construction of the bach means you won’t need to spend much time on chores.
A Skyline shed takes care of all the water toys and there are two community jetties making provisioning easy.
Words by: Sarah Beresford.
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