PHOTO: 65A Seatoun Heights Road, Seatoun
Twin water towers for sale on a prime 1000-square-metre block in Seatoun, Wellington, present an extraordinary opportunity for a Grand Designs-style transformation. These disused concrete towers offer 360-degree views of the surrounding area and Worser Bay from their elevated position.
The listing at 65A Seatoun Heights Road, Seatoun, touts the property as a unique chance for either a stunning makeover of the existing water tanks or a complete demolition to pave the way for a new dream home.
“Either way, you will end up with a home on one of the most incredible sites in Wellington,” the listing states.
According to OneRoof, the property last changed hands in 2019 for NZD $720,000 (AUD $647,000). The current owner, a Wellington artist who asked to remain anonymous, has a deep connection to the area, having grown up nearby.
“I’d always wondered what it would be like having a view of the other side of the hill as well,” she shared with OneRoof. “When it came on the market in 2019, I thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s the dream property. It’s got everything.’”
Initially purchased for sentimental reasons, the owner planned to redevelop the site but has since had a change of heart. “It’s pretty devastating having to get rid of the tanks,” she said. “But it’s a pragmatic decision. I’ve run out of energy to do some crazy, awesome project.”
The waters are on top of a hill. Photo: Paterson Real Estate
She hopes that whoever buys the property retains the water towers. “There’s quite a lot of space,” she said. “They’re both tall enough to do two storeys. You could get quite a substantial house in there. The roofs could be removed, enabling the buyer to build upwards. A driveway could replace the steps up to the tanks.”
Agent Charles Morley-Hall of Paterson Real Estate is handling the sale and told OneRoof his first thought on seeing the property was the TV show Grand Designs, which has featured water tank conversions before.
The twin water towers. Photo: Paterson Real Estate
Morley-Hall noted that the top of the property is “unusually flat for a hilltop Wellington site.” He added, “Currently, access is by about 220 steps, but it’s a very wide piece of land, and the neighbour has recently put a driveway on. Our owner has been told by the council and by an engineer that it’s very possible to put a driveway up there.”
The property is connected to power and is free from asbestos, making it an attractive option for development. “It would be an incredible opportunity for a young architect or someone with money to create something extraordinary,” Morley-Hall said. “Equally, it is possible for someone to demolish and build a home up there. There is no restriction. It is zoned as residential.”
The view from the property. Photo: Paterson Real Estate
The property is being sold by tender, with offers due by noon on March 6.
SOURCE: DOMAIN