PHOTO: Who will take on this restoration project in Oriental Parade, which the agents describe as a “damsel in distress”? BAYLEYS
Opportunity Awaits: Historical Gem on Oriental Parade Seeks a Visionary Renovator
In the bustling city of Wellington, the iconic Oriental Parade stands adorned with beautifully renovated or newly rebuilt properties, a testament to its coveted waterfront real estate. However, amidst the array of apartments and stand-alone houses, a hidden gem awaits at number 68, a unique opportunity rarely found in this sought-after locale.
This particular property has been a part of the same family for generations, shrouded in mystery with its exact origins believed to date back to the late 1800s, certainly before 1930. Now, standing as a testimony to the passage of time, the house yearns for a complete rejuvenation. Presently, it comprises two one-bedroom flats, but the potential for a grand transformation is evident.
The listing agents, Ann Curtis and Grant Henderson of Bayleys Wellington, reveal that the property doesn’t hold any heritage listing, leaving its future open to diverse possibilities. Prospective buyers are advised to conduct their own due diligence as they contemplate the exciting prospects this property holds.
Recollections from Rita, one of the owner’s daughters, add a nostalgic touch to the tale of this heritage house. Her parents once ran a family Mediterranean food importing business from offices on the ground floor. Rita fondly recalls studying in the cozy alcove at the top of the house, gazing out over the water when the top floor hosted two small bedrooms. The family has witnessed the vibrant transformation of the surroundings over the years, with the emergence of Te Papa, the supermarket, and the redevelopment of Queens Wharf.
Though Rita expresses some regret about parting with the property, she acknowledges the tremendous potential it possesses. The house stands as a blank canvas, offering an extraordinary opportunity in a mesmerizing location, right at the heart of the city. Despite the lack of off-street parking, its proximity to various amenities and the city’s busiest bus route compensates for any transportation concerns.
Described as a square-fronted, two-storey transitional villa featuring a shingle-clad sunroom on the upper level, the house currently holds a rating value of $2.8 million. The unique attributes of this property defy direct comparison, making it a tantalizing prospect for potential buyers.
With its tender sale approach and a closing date set for August 3, 2023, Ann Curtis emphasizes that placing a concrete figure on the property’s value proves challenging. The market will ultimately determine the price as eager buyers vie to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
In conclusion, the time has come for a visionary renovator to step forward and breathe new life into the historical gem at number 68 Oriental Parade. Will you be the one to embrace the challenge and transform this extraordinary property into a masterpiece of modern living? The potential and possibilities are boundless, and the journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
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SOURCE: STUFF