Presence, Privacy, and Architectural Grace

This gracious residence began its life under the hand of Samuel Hurst Seager, reflecting the qualities that made him a pioneer of early New Zealand architecture. His refined Arts and Crafts principles, balanced proportions, and sensitivity to light and material shaped the original structure. An elegant extension in the 1920s broadened its scale and settled naturally into the home’s architectural language. Together, these chapters form 48 Hobson Street, a residence with depth, character, and a sense of longevity seldom found in the centre of the city. Light moves through the interior with ease, settling across warm timbers and softly textured surfaces. High ceilings enhance the feeling of space, and the relationship between the original design and the later addition feels remarkably cohesive. The most recent restoration, led by Philip Porritt, has been completed with the sympathetic approach for which he is renowned. His work brings clarity and refinement to the home while honouring its architectural integrity, creating an atmosphere that is welcoming, balanced, and beautifully composed. The setting is one of remarkable convenience and quiet prestige, where the city opens in every direction from the front gate. Parliament and the Beehive sit only moments away, with Lambton Quay and The Terrace a comfortable walk for those whose days centre on the business district. Diplomatic residences and embassies shape the neighbourhood, and Queen Margaret College, a respected private girls’ school, has long contributed to the character of the area. Zoning for both Wellington Boys’ and Wellington Girls’ secondary schools adds further appeal for families, while public transport links are close at hand, with the bus and train station an easy walk away for effortless travel throughout the city. The waterfront, the cultural life of Wellington, and a wide selection of cafés and galleries rest nearby, with New World Thorndon close for daily ease, and seamless access to State Highway One completes a location that supports both work and lifestyle with exceptional simplicity. The garden offers a calm and elegant counterpoint to the scale of the home. Instead of broad lawns, it reveals a carefully curated landscape of shaped topiary, lily ponds, and subtle Japanese influences, creating a setting that feels refined and effortless to maintain. It is an urban sanctuary that enhances the architectural presence of the residence, providing a sense of retreat without the demands of extensive grounds. The result is a space that supports family life with ease while remaining graceful, private, and beautifully composed. 48 Hobson Street is a rare offering in the centre of Wellington. For further information, or to arrange a private viewing, please contact Ben Atwill at Bayleys Wellington.