Enjoy river and ocean views from almost every room in this classic home on Whakatāne’s Muriwai Drive.

Solid concrete block and brick construction with tile roof, it has been built to stand the rigours of time – and it has. It has been immaculately maintained by its owner since construction and offers comfortable living with expansive views that extend over Whakatane River to the Heads and Moutohorā.

From your elevated position, you can also enjoy all the comings and goings across the road at the Whakatāne Boat ramp.

In the basement there is a double garage with a substantial workshop area at the rear, and plenty of off-road parking for vehicles and perhaps a boat.

On this level there is a versatile office/fourth bedroom/teenage rumpus room with its own entry. It is semi-self-contained with a toilet and shower, offering possibilities as a work-from-home set up, or short-term rental.

The main living – and the views – are upstairs where the kitchen and dining flows down to a north-facing, sun-filled lounge where large picture windows look directly across the river.  

The ceilings are high, adding to the sense of space, with decorative scotia and cornices. The dining room on the eastern side opens to a lovely outdoor dining space.

While carpet and furnishings have been updated over the years, the joinery and architecture is delightfully 1980s with the kitchen featuring stunning timber cabinetry, a spectacular skylight and a double oven that has barely been used.

There is a large laundry, toilet, and a large guest or master bedroom on this level. A perfectly positioned corner window means spectacular views.

The other two bedrooms are up a level. They are both large rooms with substantial wardrobes and similar corner windows that bring in the view. The front bedroom looks out over the boat ramp and river while the view from the rear bedroom extends upriver to Quay Street. There’s a family bathroom and separate toilet on this level that are colourful reminders of the era.

High arched ceilings with exposed beams are a feature in this upper level, adding to the feeling of spaciousness.

In all, there is 290 square metres of living across split levels. The section is well-retained and terraced, with small areas of lawn and gardens. There’s a vegetable garden out front, a macadamia and avocado along with a collection of other fruit trees, and cobbled paths providing access around the home.

Buyers with vision will appreciate the possibilities here. This is a prime location
in which homes are not commonly available, and this is a classic home that is full of potential. With a few tweaks, it can easily be brought into the new century without losing the character that makes it unique.

■ Expansive river and sea views
■ Easy-care terraced section
■ Prime downtown location
■ Work-from-home possibilities

37 Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne | Listed by: Harcourts Whakatāne | Ph  07 3086359
Asking price $1,595,000 |  Viewing: By appointment
Agent: Anna Roberston 027 4460660