Residential -
Old bones, big charm: The irresistible allure of Kiwi villas
Villas hold a very special place in New Zealand’s architectural landscape. Typically built between the 1880s and the early 1920s, these character homes are instantly recognisable for thanks to their ornate facades, high stud ceilings, timber floors, sash windows and decorative details like fretwork and wraparound verandas. Originally inspired by British colonial styles and adapted for local conditions, the classic Kiwi villa was built to last.
Today, they’re among the most sought-after property types in many parts of the country, especially in the central suburbs of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, where early settlement and development occurred. Their charm lies in a unique combination of heritage style and modern livability. Many have been beautifully renovated over the decades to include contemporary kitchens, bathrooms, heating and insulation, while still retaining their classic character features. This blend of old and new makes them especially attractive to buyers looking for a home with warmth, soul, and story.
Villas also tend to occupy larger sections than modern builds, often with mature gardens and generous outdoor space—a rarity in urban centres. The traditional layout, typically with bedrooms at the front and living areas at the back, lends itself well to extensions or open-plan conversions, which further enhances their value and functionality.
Beyond the bricks and mortar, there’s also a lifestyle factor at play. Villa neighbourhoods are often well-established, with leafy streets, excellent schools, thriving cafes, and a strong sense of community. For many buyers—especially families and professional couples—a villa offers not just a beautiful home, but a connection to a vibrant, village-like environment. Whether it’s the craftsmanship, the curb appeal, or the sense of history, villas continue to capture the hearts of Kiwi homeowners. With demand often outstripping supply, they remain a solid investment and a perennial favourite in the ever-evolving New Zealand property market.
So, what are the 10 current villa listings that are catching our eyes?
102 NILE STREET, NELSON
This exquisitely restored 19th-century villa in the heart of Nelson is a rare blend of heritage beauty and modern luxury. Rich in character, the home showcases refined French, Italian, and English influences with oak parquet, limestone, and painted kauri floors. High-end finishes, marble bathrooms, and central heating add comfort to the classic charm of sash windows, shutters, and ornate detailing.
The villa features two elegant living areas, a designer kitchen, six bedrooms including a separate ground-floor apartment, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Just moments from schools, cafes, and galleries, this central city villa offers timeless elegance in an unbeatable location.
74 ALBANY ROAD, HERNE BAY, AUCKLAND
This beautifully elevated villa on one of Herne Bay’s most sought-after roads masterfully fuses timeless charm with contemporary sophistication. Framed by a white picket fence and blonde oak floors, the home opens to an expansive light-filled living pavilion with retractable sliders to a private atrium-style deck—perfect for entertaining.
The original villa features high-spec design, with a designer granite kitchen, versatile four-bedroom layout, and a luxurious primary suite. Multiple living areas, a second lounge, internal-access garaging, and refined bathrooms complete the offering.
58 ALBERT ROAD, DEVONPORT, AUCKLAND
This beautifully renovated villa delivers the ultimate in modern family living while honouring its heritage charm. Thoughtfully reimagined in 2018, it blends timeless character features—like pressed tin ceilings, leadlights, and kauri floors—with contemporary comforts including central heating, double glazing, and a crisp, modern aesthetic.
Set on a private, landscaped 748sqm site, the home features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and three versatile living spaces across two levels. A separate cottage, heated pool, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow offer space for relaxation and entertaining.
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7 ARIKI STREET, GREY LYNN, AUCKLAND
This impeccably renovated Grey Lynn villa effortlessly marries classic charm with luxurious modern living. Retaining its heritage façade, the home features polished kauri floors, soaring ceilings, and a stunning central hallway. Inside, natural light floods the open-plan living and German-designed Poggenpohl kitchen, which flows seamlessly to a sun-soaked deck and landscaped gardens. A separate lounge provides quiet retreat, while the top-floor master suite includes a generous walk-in robe, ensuite, and mezzanine lounge.
73 HINEMOA STREET, BIRKENHEAD POINT, AUCKLAND
This beautifully restored villa in historic Birkenhead Point seamlessly blends heritage charm with modern style. Set on a generous 822sqm section, the home captures stunning views of Rangitoto, the Harbour Bridge, and the Sky Tower from its light-filled living spaces. Original villa features—timber floors, sash windows, kauri fireplaces, and high ceilings—have been lovingly preserved and paired with contemporary finishes throughout.
Offering four bedrooms, multiple living areas, and expansive indoor-outdoor flow, it’s a homemade for both entertaining and relaxing.
1420 RAILWAY ROAD SOUTH, HASTINGS
Hawthorne House is a magnificent Edwardian villa, crafted circa 1906 and lovingly restored to blend timeless character with modern luxury. Nestled among mature trees and landscaped gardens, this grand yet welcoming home showcases classic villa features—native timber floors, sash windows, stained glass, and ornate woodwork—alongside elegant updates and designer finishes.
With five ensuite bedrooms, generous living areas, a gourmet kitchen, and wide verandahs, it offers a refined lifestyle rich in heritage and comfort.
61 CANNINGTON ROAD, MAORI HILL, DUNEDIN
This beautifully restored circa 1915 villa seamlessly blends timeless character with contemporary comfort in a peaceful garden sanctuary near the city. Classic features such as stained glass, a pillared porch, and tongue-and-groove paneling are enhanced by modern upgrades including a stylish open-plan kitchen, luxurious bathroom, and updated insulation, wiring, and heating.
Three elegant double bedrooms, refined living spaces, and thoughtful finishes throughout reflect true villa charm.
2 GALATEA TERRACE, HERNE BAY, AUCKLAND
Set in Herne Bay’s coveted dress circle, this grand villa is an exquisite showcase of heritage charm and contemporary luxury. Meticulously renovated, the home blends original character—expanded verandahs, intricate fretwork, and soaring ceilings—with modern comforts, including double-glazed thermal windows and designer lighting.
The heart of the home is a spectacular open-plan kitchen with high-end appliances and water views, flowing to a covered veranda and manicured gardens. Multiple living areas, including a self-contained lower level, offer flexibility for families or guests.
298 VICTORIA AVENUE, REMUERA, AUCKLAND
Perched on a prestigious 1,540sqm north-facing site, this Remuera villa captures sweeping views of Rangitoto and the Waitematā. A true legacy property, it pairs timeless character with remarkable scope to renovate or redevelop in one of Auckland’s most elite locations.
The elegant home features formal living and dining, a generous kitchen, and multiple outdoor terraces perfect for entertaining by the pool. Upstairs, a lift-accessed lounge and bedrooms enjoy leafy elevation, while a separate guest cottage and home office enhance versatility.
40 LILBURN STREET, WARKWORTH
This charming, elevated villa in Warkworth offers the perfect balance of character, comfort, and privacy for modern family life. Set on a fully fenced 796sqm section, it’s ideal for families or downsizers seeking a peaceful retreat. The home features a classic villa layout with a sunlit kitchen at its heart, cosy lounge with wood-burning fire, and a separate dining area. Outdoors, enjoy an expansive covered deck, established gardens, and even a wellness room beneath. All this, just 40 minutes from Auckland and close to beaches and trails.
With their classic architectural features, spacious layouts, and often prime locations, villas provide a sense of history and individuality that newer homes may lack. A villa is not just a home; it’s a lifestyle, offering the perfect backdrop for both relaxation and entertainment, all while embracing the charm of the past.
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