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The heritage status of Orewa House, which is the oldest site of colonial settlement in Orewa, is designed to ensure it is preserved for future generations, although it is currently up for sale.
The property, at 498 Hibiscus Coast Highway, has changed hands only six times since it was purchased by Governor William Hobson in 1841.
It was recently put on the market by the Harvey family – Les Harvey purchased it in a rundown state in the 1970s.
Restoration work since then, driven by current owner Kevin Harvey (Les’ son), included the former watch house, now Walnut Cottage Café, and around $1m spent on Orewa House itself, including new foundations and piles.
A walnut tree, gifted by Governor George Grey, is in the grounds.
The 4251sqm property, which is alongside Nukumea Stream, is being marketed as “a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of Orewa history”.
The buildings have Category B heritage listings under the Auckland Unitary Plan, while the underlying zone is Mixed Housing Urban.
Auckland Council’s heritage manager, Noel Reardon, says Category B indicates significant local heritage value. He says although it is possible to apply for consent to demolish properties in this category, it is extremely rare – only three Category B buildings have been demolished since Auckland Council formed, two due to fire and one on safety grounds. Category B historic places are also protected from inappropriate subdivision, use and development, because of the need for resource consent, Mr Reardon says.
Heritage NZ spokesperson John O’Hare says archaeological sites are also protected under the Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.
“An archaeological site is defined as a place associated with pre-1900 human activity where there may be evidence relating to the history of NZ – and can also include buildings and or structures that predate 1900,” he says.
“In the case of Orewa House, should elements of the building and any structures or associated sub-surface features within the property be earlier than 1900, any owner would potentially need to apply for an archaeological authority from Heritage NZ before work is undertaken on the building, or any earthworks onsite.”
The property is being marketed by Colliers International and has a CV of $2,175,000. It goes to auction on August 26.
