Wellington Couple's 30-Year Love Affair with 1908 Home

When Anita and Brian Busby first visited their future home in Wellington's Roseneath neighborhood, the weather couldn't have been worse for a house showing.

"It was a gloomy Sunday. You couldn't actually see the harbor, and the cloud was down to roof level," Brian recalls. But his wife didn't need sunshine to see the potential.

She walked into the 1908 villa, spotted the glowing heart rimu timber in the hallway, and declared on the spot: "I want to live here." That was nearly three decades ago, and the couple are only leaving now because they've moved into a retirement home.

The house has quite a story itself. Built for Mrs. Katherine Richards in 1908, local rumor suggests it was designed for the harbor pilot, who could spot incoming ships from the upper windows and ride his horse down the hill in time to guide them safely into port.

The home stayed in the same family until 1973, accumulating thoughtful additions along the way. In 1928, someone added the upper floor and a sunroom above the porch. The Busbys continued that tradition of careful stewardship, raising the house in 2000 to add a lower level with a rumpus room and garage.

Every renovation honored the home's heritage. The couple double-glazed most windows, including the precious leadlights, making the 254-square-meter house warmer and quieter while preserving its character.

Sunny's Take

The extra space became more than just rooms. When their sons and wives returned from overseas needing a place to stay, the house welcomed them home. Family from abroad always had somewhere to gather.

Now listed for sale at 16 Maida Vale Road, the property stands as a landmark on its corner, offering the same sweeping harbor views that Anita saw in her mind's eye on that cloudy Sunday so long ago.

Some love stories are between people, and some are between people and places, but the best ones last a lifetime either way.