112-Year-Old Estate Gets $3M Restoration in New Zealand

A grand piece of New Zealand history is getting a second life, and the results are stunning.

The 112-year-old estate in Havelock North, designed by acclaimed architect Louis Hay in 1914, has just completed a four-year restoration that honors every detail of its past. The same architect who later designed Napier's famous Art Deco buildings after the 1931 earthquake created this masterpiece over a century ago.

The owners invested millions to save the 540-square-meter homestead without sacrificing what made it special. They kept the sweeping staircase, the grand entrance hall, and the character that defines the era. But they also added modern heating, updated six bathrooms, and installed a state-of-the-art kitchen with handcrafted European cabinetry.

Real estate agent Fiona Mackenzie says she rarely sees restorations done this well. The home now features bandsawn European oak flooring, Italian marble countertops, and smoked oak cabinetry from Finland. Each of the five bedrooms opens to balconies or terraces, bringing the outdoors in.

The 5.59-hectare property includes two additional cottages, a heated 15-meter pool, and a pavilion with a Finnish sauna. Gardens surround the buildings, and an Italianate courtyard with a rose-covered pergola creates the perfect summer gathering spot.

Why This Inspires

This restoration proves that old doesn't mean obsolete. Instead of tearing down a piece of history to build something new, these owners chose the harder path of preservation. They spent four years making sure future generations could experience the artistry of 1914 while enjoying the comfort of 2025.

The project also kept specialized craftspeople employed and honored traditional building techniques that are disappearing. European cabinetmakers, stonemasons working with French limestone, and experts in heritage restoration all contributed their skills.

Mackenzie notes the home now flows seamlessly between formal and relaxed spaces, feeling timeless rather than trapped in the past. The heating system lets each room stay comfortable year-round, and the outdoor spaces work as hard as the indoor ones.

The estate has only been for sale once before in its 112 years, making this a rare chance for someone new to become its steward. But more importantly, it stands as proof that we can keep beautiful old things alive without freezing them in time.

Sometimes the best way forward is honoring where we've been.