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Historic 1850s homestead owned by local motoring icon hits the market

Historic Governors Bay homestead with motoring legacy and modern upgrades offered for sale.

Alan Granville
Last updated: 17 April 2026 | 3 min read
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The historic Waitahuna homestead in Governors Bay, Canterbury, is for sale. Established in the 1850s by settler John Dyer, it was the cherished home of late motoring icon Gavin Bain for the past 50 years.

The 1.73-hectare estate features a main house with modern upgrades by architect Peter Kent, a separate cottage, and extensive garaging. Combining colonial heritage with a rich motoring legacy and award-winning gardens, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of local history.

The property has 1.73 hectares of land and remarkable views

The views look out over Governors Bay, with the water and surrounding hills creating a calm, and scenic background. It’s the kind of outlook that feels peaceful and easy to settle into, shifting with the light throughout the day.

A large fire place to warm the living room. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

The formal dining room. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Bain loved his motoring books. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

The kitchen has been updated. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

There are three bedrooms. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

The bathroom is modern and has underfloor heating. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

There’s a self-contained colonial cottage. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Inside the cottage. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Extensive garaging to house the car collection. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Sharron Ballantyne featured in an article in NZ Gardener in 2021. Photo: JULIET NICHOLAS/NZ GARDENER

The glasshouse was an engagement present. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Surprises in the garden. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

A nod to Bain’s love of cars. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

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Alan Granville Alan Granville
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