Iconic Boatshed Featured in Acclaimed TV Series Fetches $2.05M

PHOTO: The boatshed cannot be lived in but has been used for parties and family gatherings. Photo / Supplied

In an impressive auction conducted by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, the Auckland boatshed that gained fame as a prominent location in the hit TV series “David Lomas Investigates” has been sold for a staggering $2.05 million. This sale price sets a new record for the highest achieved by a boatshed listed on the open market in New Zealand.

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Located in the iconic Hobson Bay area, the renowned property attracted considerable attention, with six registered bidders participating in the auction, four of whom were active in the room. Bidding commenced at $800,000 and rapidly escalated, eventually reaching $1.5 million, as three determined bidders vied for ownership.

According to the ONEROOF Paul Sissons, the listing agent responsible for the boatshed situated on Ngapipi Road in Orakei, revealed that the weather itself seemed to foretell the exceptional outcome, with a rainbow appearing just as the auction commenced. In jest, he remarked, “There’s a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow.”

Spanning an area of 65 square meters, the boatshed boasts stylish decorations and served as the on-screen “office” for investigator David Lomas’ documentary TV show, which focuses on reuniting families. It is one of only 17 boatsheds along the edge of Whakatakataka Bay, and it retains its original wharf, adding to its allure.

The vendor, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that the connection with David Lomas stemmed from a longstanding friendship, stating, “He’d done filming in one of the sheds down from us, so when he couldn’t use that, I asked if he’d like to use ours. It was a bit of fun.”

Boatshed 15 on Whakatakataka Bay is one of the few in the historic community that still has its original wharf. Photo / Supplied

Apart from its rich history and celebrity status, the boatshed’s interior was expertly designed by a top Auckland decorator in a captivating Ralph Lauren nautical style. The property was sold complete with all its stylish furniture and an entertainers’ kitchen, ultimately sealing the deal for the buyer.

The vendors, eager to embark on their next phase in life, opted to sell the boatshed to purchase a flat in London for their family to enjoy. Paul Sissons, who previously sold a shed in the same iconic row in 2020 for $1.2075 million, noted that most heritage sheds tend to remain within families for generations, underscoring their sentimental and historical significance.

The producers of David Lomas Investigates have used the boatsheds of Hobson Bay as Lomas’ ‘office’. Photo / Warner Brothers Discovery

While the boatshed cannot be used as a residence, it has hosted numerous gatherings, parties, and even a wedding. Its scenic location in Hobson Bay has made it a preferred shooting spot for “David Lomas Investigates” and continues to captivate visitors and enthusiasts alike.

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The boatsheds along Auckland’s Hobson Bay, including this picturesque one, enjoy strict protection from Auckland Council due to their historical value. Owners possess a maritime license to occupy the sheds, which must be maintained according to heritage standards. The council forbids their use as residences, ensuring the preservation of their unique character. The only ongoing expenses are maintenance costs, with a new resource consent required every 35 years.

Last August, another smaller boatshed sold at auction for $1.35 million, while a third, once used for rehearsals by Auckland icons Dave Dobbyn and Ladi6, failed to sell before Christmas 2021. The latter was expected to fetch around $800,000 but was subsequently withdrawn from the market.

Notably, buyers in Akaroa secured a Duvauchelle boatshed on the Akaroa Harbour for $255,000 in March after eight bidders fiercely competed for this rare treasure.