Franklin: It’s all there

Gob-smacking views, surfing, beaches, sand dunes, boating, fishing, tramping ... By VICKI HOLDER.

Not just a charming original homestead, the Pilot's House at Port Waikato has a long and fascinating history thanks to its superb position high on a knoll overlooking the wharf and Waikato River.

Owners Janene and John Carr came not just for the views, but the laid-back lifestyle close to the wild west coast surf beach in commuting distance of Auckland city. "There are so many things to do here," says John. "Summers are gorgeous. Sunset Beach just around the corner is so aptly named. Sunsets are just staggering. If a person is a west coaster, they'll love the beautiful surf beaches, the black sand and the hinterland of sand dunes, which are great for four-wheel driving."

With the river and harbour so close, the owners haven't got far to go fishing, surf-casting or boating. "It's a very nice lifestyle for someone who wants to live here and perhaps work in south Auckland," says John.

Despite the many distractions, they could not ignore the property's history, for it played such a crucial role in the area. Since living here, John has learned the house is on the original site where the English army had their barracks and parade grounds. It gave them many advantages when fighting the Waikato wars against the Maori.

"One of the reasons why they were able to outsmart the Maori was because they used steam engine boats to deploy men up the river, where they could leap off and be gone again, off to their barracks. The Maori had never experienced anything like the English with their motorboats before," he says.

When the Carrs bought the house, they were told the flagpole, the last remnant of army occupation, is known to still be somewhere on the property. The land was later the site of a hospital for the troops.

For the last 130 years, it has been used as a private home. With a view down the river mouth and all around, it afforded the local pilot the best spot to watch as ships came into view. He could then go down to his boat and guide them into the port. Thus the house became know as The Pilot House.

The early return veranda villa was "almost about to fall over" when the Carrs moved in about five years ago. Planning to establish it as a homestay, they completely rebuilt it and put down new foundations. Their vision petered out as other priorities took them in different directions, but all the groundwork has been done. They've re-plumbed, re-guttered, re-wired and added new water tanks. The interiors have been done in a couple of the rooms, but John says "now all that's left is the decor".

John explains the villa has been substantially altered in recent years. It was once perfectly square with verandas across the front and back. A previous owner extended it on all four sides. Consequently, the central areas, the two bedrooms and the lounge feature the original high stud and unpainted kauri ceilings of the villa. In contrast, the parts that have been closed in have sloping ceilings. Yet the old villa still has a huge amount of character. "There's an ambience about it. Everybody who walks in says 'wow'. It has a lovely homely feel and oozes a sense of history."

The lounge has a traditional fireplace with a decorative mantelpiece and there is an older style fireplace in the family room as well. Built-in seating in the lounge invites you to sit and take in the spectacular views. In fact, there are magnificent views of the river and port from just about anywhere you wish to stand in the house.

As well as the home, a large workshop as big as the house with a mezzanine floor has huge potential for future owners with vision. John works from an office in the back. The previous owner was a builder and used to build boats in it, so one end is open. The Carrs were going to put a billiard table and pot belly stove in the building, which would make it into the perfect teenage sleepout or a backpackers' lodge. Now that's an option someone else might like to pursue while enjoying the number of delights the property has to offer.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 1 Cobourne Pl, Port Waikato, Franklin.

FEATURES: Historic property with extended early New Zealand character villa; river and port views; three bedrooms plus sleepout; one bathroom; lounge and family room; security system; garage/workshop/office and off-street parking.

SIZE: Floor area 176sq m plus workshop (80sq m); land area 1012sq m.

PRICE: $550,000 to $650,000.

AGENTS: Dania Lomas and Anne Lomas, Bayleys Counties. Ph 298 2525 bus; Dania 021 886 621 mob; Anne 021 737 730 mob.