The two-storey timber building at 193 Marine Parade is one of a row of heritage-listed villas known as the “Six Sisters”. Most recently home to a shipping company head office, it is now being offered for sale with vacant possession presenting a myriad of possibilities for commercial or residential uses.

With views of the foreshore and Pacific Ocean, it sits in an area fringing Napier’s world-renowned art deco CBD which is receiving a big lift from large-scale public investment and upgrades.

Designed by Robert Lamb, a British-born architect who lived in Napier between 1879 and 1895, and likely constructed shortly after his death, the elegant “Six Sisters” villas are surrounded by local lore and legend. In one version they are said to have been built for Lamb’s six daughters, in another for a wealthy businessman’s daughters, and in yet another version, for a wealthy sea captain. Though the often-repeated stories are unsubstantiated historically, they continue to feed the buildings’ mystique.

The villas stand out as rare central city survivors of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake and the subsequent fires which devastated most of the CBD.

Two years ago, they were recognised for their heritage value and entered on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero, as a historic area. Heritage New Zealand at the time noted the buildings’ importance as good representatives of the Victorian “up-and-down” villa, and their historical value as a visible link to Napier’s early development.

The villas’ earliest occupiers were an assortment of Napier's working class, from hairdressers to carpenters. Supported by flexible zoning, the buildings have in recent years been home to a variety of commercial users including cafes, restaurants and galleries, an architectural practice and a financial services provider. Some have reverted to their original use as residential premises.

The freehold property at 193 Marine Parade, Napier, is being marketed for sale by Kerry Geange and Jodie Woodfield of Bayleys Napier.

The property will go under the hammer at an auction on Thursday 6th April, unless it is sold prior.

Geange said the character building was underpinned by a fee-simple site of some 177 square metres.

“The villa offers a floor area of some 240 square metres, complete with partial mezzanine. Beautifully presented inside and out, the building retains its original character while enjoying a modern office fit-out and extension carried out in 2000. Its high ceilings and skylights give it a delightful light-filled interior.

“The opportunity to secure this property with vacant possession will ensure its attractiveness among both owner-occupiers and investors. The diversity of neighbouring commercial activities, including in other “Sisters” villas, gives a taste of what is possible for business occupiers. Alternatively, a buyer could reposition the building as a sunny retirement home or an inner-city lock-and-leave pad,” said Geange.

The property’s Fringe Commercial zoning under the Napier City District Plan supports commercial services, retailing and office activities, while residential activity is also becoming very popular in this central-fringe zone.

Woodfield said a once-in-a-generation programme of major civic investment and a solidly growing regional population would only work in favour of an investor in the “iconic and superbly located” Marine Parade property.

“A $55 million refurbishment of the CBD is well underway, including a new $27 million Civic Precinct upgrade. Previous public investment along the city’s waterfront promenade, Marine Parade, has created a sensational public precinct with family and recreational opportunities equal to anywhere in New Zealand.

“With its iconic art deco architecture and compact city footprint offering all the necessary services, Napier is a high-demand location. Hawke’s Bay and Napier are among New Zealand’s most popular areas for people to move to.

“With both the local and regional councils forecasting ongoing growth, and prominent economists equally positive about the region in the medium and long term, there is no reason to delay buying property in the region,” Woodfield said.

Click here for more information on the listing.