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Seafront home for less than $1m? This one comes with stunning Mid-century makeover

A Wellington seafront home has been transformed into a colourful Mid-century masterpiece, complete with a retro kitchen.

Colleen Hawkes
Last updated: 19 August 2026 | 3 min read
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A Wellington seafront home at 158 The Esplanade, Island Bay has been transformed into a Mid-century masterpiece. Over 21 years, the owners meticulously renovated the interior to reflect their passion for retro design.

Key features include a custom 1950s-style kitchen with a Formica benchtop, Orla Kiely wallpapers, and a colourful Marmoleum floor. The two-bedroom home offers stunning, uninterrupted sea views and is protected from storm tides.

Listed by Lowe & Co, this unique property invites enquiries over $845,000.

All the living areas and bedrooms are on the upper floor of the house. Photo: Lowe & Co

The house looks directly out to sea on the Island Bay waterfront, and is protected from surge tides by a rocky outcrop. Photo: Lowe & Co

Marmoleum tiles feature on the flooring in the living area, reproducing colours in the furnishings and kitchen. Photo: Lowe & Co

The kitchen installer told the couple he usually pulled out kitchens like this, and it “felt weird” to be putting one into a home. Photo: Lowe & Co

Every item in the home has been chosen to in keeping with the Mid-century aesthetic. Photo: Lowe & Co

Chris Williams designed much of the furniture in the house, and had it made, including the glass cabinet in the main bedroom. He made the bed himself. Photo: Lowe & Co

The couple joined two small bedrooms to make one large room, which they use as their office. Photo: Lowe & Co

There are twin pedestal basins and matching medicine cabinets in the bathroom. Photo: Lowe & Co

The risers on the stairs are imprinted with Island Bay street names. Photo: Lowe & Co

The laundry is positioned in the garage, which has two doors for two vehicles. Photo: Lowe & Co

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