Featured Property

6 homes for sale across New Zealand that are full of character

Article by Property Press

Here’s our favourite homes for sale right now that are full of one-of-a-kind character and charm

Period homes don’t just have character in spades, many also embrace life on a grand scale, with truly spacious living areas and generous bedrooms. When renovated sensitively they provide a winning combination of exceptional charm, with the facilities and flexibility essential for comfortable modern-day living.

Here’s our selection of homes from another era around the country that have managed to achieve a perfect balance between old and new.

1. Park-like setting

This Arts and Crafts beauty in Hillpark really does offer the opportunity to step back into yesteryear.

Orford House was built in 1910 and retains much of its period charm, from the grand beamed living room and distinctive loggia spaces with French doors for relaxing, to the gorgeous bedrooms with dormer windows nestled up under the eaves.

The adjacent park used to be part of the estate and looking out from the picture windows it’s easy to imagine it still is. This property is on a double title and has a substantial studio wing so there’s potential here aplenty.

2. Spirit of an era

This 70s riff on the Arts and Crafts vernacular has captured the spirit of the era with magnificent wood finishing throughout, grand entranceway and living area, wonderful framed views to the sea beyond and liberal use of stone and handmade craftsmanship.

This truly unique Tauranga home has operated as a boutique lodge in recent years but is equally suited as a stupendous family home.

You’ll fall in love with the grand rustic kitchen and exceptional living area – Matua Lodge really is one out of the box showcasing authentic craftsmanship that’s rarely seen.

3. Period charm

Greenlea is a lovely sprawling country estate in Mt Biggs with magnificent reception rooms, wide verandahs made for lounging, generous bedrooms and fabulous period features.

Stained glass windows, pressed metal ceilings, impressive fireplaces and wooden detailing all make for a picture of elegant living.

Surrounded by manicured grounds fit for a garden party, the home built in 1914 has been fully updated for modern living without losing an ounce of its period charm.

4. Picture perfect

This picture perfect Richmond home is just so pretty. The lovely façade is just a hint of things to come with the interior embracing plenty of period features as well as an up-to-the-minute kitchen which flows to a dining area and massive living room that spans one side of the house.

Board and batten ceilings, original French doors and sash windows, pretty wrap-around verandah with lace detailing … all the important details that make homes of this era so distinctive are here for you to enjoy.

There’s also a new self-contained sleepout and plenty of spots for you relax in the garden while you count yourself lucky.

5. Impressive living

Wow, if walls could talk! This wonderful Christchurch home built in 1901 has a truly impressive living room with clinker brick fireplace, beamed ceiling, beautiful leadlight windows and timber panelling.

It sets the stage for the rest of the house with its multiple living areas, entertainer’s kitchen with original features and beautifully appointed bedrooms with gorgeous period fireplaces.

There’s the added convenience of a separate studio and the grounds are ideal for entertaining on a summer’s evening.

6. Perfect for parties

The massive wood panelled and beamed living and dining area of this period Wellington home leads through French doors to the deck – just perfect for parties.

This home is packed with character, from the lovely stained glass feature windows, moulded ceilings, window seats and polished wooden floors to the pretty bedrooms tucked under the eaves.