129 Cleveland Terrace, Maitai, Nelson, Nelson / Tasman

Fall in love with this absolute gem above the city.

Nestled quietly along the leafy hillside of Cleveland Terrace, here is a home that gently rises above the city like a hidden gem, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the view.

Arriving is effortless, as pedestrian access guides you down a small number of tiled and timber steps, weaving through established trees that instantly create the feeling of being tucked away in nature and birdsong. As you descend, the city fades and the home begins to reveal itself – warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully renovated.

This charming home stands apart, the exterior recently repainted in cool, modern tones with a light, contemporary feel. Inside, it carries the soul of a chalet-style retreat, with macrocarpa ceilings, architraves, doors, and warm wood accents that bring texture and character without feeling dated. High ceilings soar above you, particularly in the lounge, enhancing the sense of space and light. It’s a real beauty!

A first impression is a wrap-around, recently painted deck, generous and sun-soaked, flowing seamlessly into a tiled balcony that captures views to Tasman Bay and the Maitai Valley. From this vantage point you can watch the seasons change in the treetops, spot the Centre of New Zealand, and enjoy a vista that feels both elevated and grounding. The sun moves around the home throughout the day, creating a golden, uplifting atmosphere that never feels cold or shadowed.

Step through the front door into the entrance landing, where thoughtful storage sits straight ahead and a separate toilet adds everyday convenience. Turn right and the heart of the home opens to a functional, well-designed kitchen bathed in morning sun from a picture window that frames the Maitai Valley. The ceilings rake to the apex here, drawing your eye upward, while newly installed lighting highlights the timber details. A gas cooktop, electric oven, rangehood and high-bar style bench make the kitchen easy and efficient, a place where cooking feels connected to the landscape beyond.

The kitchen flows naturally into a dining area, perfect for relaxed meals, before opening into the north-facing lounge. This space feels open, airy, and private, thanks to the dramatic ceiling height and clever use of light. French doors step out onto a private balcony, a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening wine as the sun drifts across the city. A striking high window mirrors the roofline above, reinforcing the chalet-like charm and flooding the room with daylight.

This is a home designed for ease – ideal for a single person, or a couple seeking something special. It’s tidy, modern, and refreshingly simple, yet rich in character. Recent carpets, fresh paint, updated lighting, and a re-painted roof provide peace of mind and comfort. This has been a lovingly maintained property by the current owners.

A tidy stairwell from the entrance landing draws you downward. A beautiful skylight pours natural light into the space, illuminating timber accents and highwalls that make the descent feel open rather than enclosed. The lower level unfolds into three spacious bedrooms, each private and light filled.

Each bedroom enjoys built-in wardrobes and large aluminium windows, so close to the surrounding greenery it feels as though you could step straight out into the trees. Here, the glazing is generous and there is a sense of openness that avoids any feeling of being tucked away. Everywhere you look, greenery frames the view. You truly feel as though you are floating among the trees!

A tiled bathroom on this level features a shower, vanity and toilet, cleverly doubling as a laundry space, completing a level that is as functional as it is inviting. An electric wall heater in the lounge on the level above, provides ambient warmth when the days get chilly.

Adjacent to the home, a solid, steel-founded drive-on landing provides space for two vehicles directly from Cleveland Terrace, with extra space for recycling and rubbish utilities, this space is ideal for ease of access.

Surrounded by mature trees and elevated above the world below, 129 Cleveland Terrace offers a unique lifestyle – peaceful, sun-filled, and connected to nature, yet only a short walk to the city, the popular Maitai river with its beautiful swimming holes and walking and biking trails. It’s a home that doesn’t try to be everything, instead, it does what it does beautifully. A quiet sanctuary, a modern chalet, a place to come home to and exhale.

For a comprehensive information booklet or to arrange a private viewing, contact Nina James.