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Victorian beauty overlooking Wellington listed for first time in four decades

Victorian villa on a private road in Oriental Bay was last sold in 1984.

Last updated: 26 August 2025 | 3 min read

“When you look up at this house, it stands really proud, like a grand old lady on the hill.”

And it’s fair to say many locals and visitors to Wellington’s Oriental Bay will have done just that - looked up and admired the 1890s Victorian villa with the pointy turret-style roof.

The 240m² house has just come onto the market for the first time in 41 years. The current owners, who are relocating to be with family, bought the property in 1984 for $175,000 - it has a current valuation of $3.18 million.

The villa has north-facing verandas on two levels, plus a roof deck on top of the garage.

Not surprisingly, the house commands expansive harbour and city views from its elevated position on a private road that winds up the hill from Oriental Bay.

Jackie Farrell of Lowe & Co, who is listing the property with Craig Lowe, says unlike many of the villas in the bay, this one has multiple north-facing outdoor entertaining areas that maximise the view and sun. These include a roof deck above an extra-large double garage, plus large verandas on two levels.

By night or day, the view across the harbour and city is beautiful.

There’s also an alfresco area out the rear - the kitchen-family room opens to a large courtyard and fully fenced lawn.

Inside, the house has been modernised in keeping with the Victorian character by heritage architect Barbara Webster. There’s a light-filled formal lounge with a corner seating area and bifold doors that open right up to the top veranda. A formal dining room also offers views.

The house has been modernised by heritage architect Barbara Webster, but retains its traditional character.

And the modern galley-style kitchen beside the family living area is equipped with European appliances. A large skylight helps to keep the open-plan space bright.

Built for family living, the house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large study that’s ideal for working from home.

All the traditional villa features remain, including the beautiful stained glass entry, high ceilings, sash windows, native timber floors, balustrading and of course, the verandas.

The main living room has bifold doors and wrap-around windows on the corner.

The window seat is a sun trap throughout the day.

But practicality hasn’t been overlooked. Farrell says the size of the garage ensures there is space for bike storage. And there’s a workshop with power and plumbing.

The property, at 4 Baring St, Oriental Bay, Wellington is for sale by tender, with a closing date of August 28, 2025.

There’s an easy flow to the outdoors from the kitchen and family living area.

At the rear, the house opens up from the main living floor to a landscaped courtyard and fenced lawn.

Farrell says Oriental Bay is a tightly held location and grand old villas seldom come to market.

A four-bedroom 350m² villa in Hay St sold in March last year for $4.5 million.

Property market update: Trade Me’s Property Pulse report this month noted conditions were currently favourable for buyers.

The property is reached via a private road.

Trade Me Property’s customer director Gavin Lloyd said despite the overall easing of prices, the market still has a healthy number of properties available.

"The current market dynamic is a golden opportunity for buyers. With prices moderating and a good selection of homes available, buyers have the time to conduct their due diligence and make a confident, well-informed purchase."

The number of residential properties for sale fell by 3 per cent between June and July but remained flat year-on-year. Meanwhile demand, as measured by total listing views, increased by 3 per cent month-on-month.