Open Wellington
If you’re reading this journal, I can probably assume that you’re much like myself; a little obsessed with all things property! One of my favourite aspects of working in real estate is getting to step foot in so many incredible homes, apartments, townhouses and gardens around Wellington. I love seeing how creative people can be with their homes, this might also be why my collection of property related magazines and Pinterest pins would be to some, a tad excessive.
If any of this resonates with you, then you’re going to love Open Wellington. Partnering with the wonderful Wellington City Mission, the team at Lowe&Co are so excited to host this walk-through tour of some of our city's most inspiring properties. Thanks to some very generous Wellingtonians, you’ll be able to wander through Here Magazine’s Best House Aotearoa for 2024, Small Acorns interior stylist Amanda Holland’s home and even a 1905 Port Nicholson boatshed (just to name a few)!
With all proceeds supporting the important work of the Wellington City Mission, your visit helps provide food, housing, advocacy and practical support for people in need across our region.
From homes and lush private gardens to historic gems and architect-designed masterpieces, here is the full line-up for 2025 Open Wellington…
Strathmore Sanctuary
NZIA Wellington Branch Award 2025
This beautifully designed home sits on a newly created site behind an existing semi-detached house. It makes the most of expansive views while maintaining privacy on all sides.
To the north, large sliding doors open onto a sunny deck and garden. To the south, carefully placed windows offer glimpses of the harbour and connect with the nearby public walkway.
The house has three bedrooms and a compact single-level layout that feels open and generous.
Berhampore Perimeter House
Best House Aotearoa 2024 - Here Magazine & NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards 2025
Bold yet balanced, this beautifully composed home embraces the street edge with confidence and creativity. Three distinct architectural forms move in harmony, offering a fresh take on suburban living in Wellington.
The design by Studio Myla gently bridges old and new. The original brick cottage is lovingly retained, sitting comfortably alongside a modern extension that opens to a private courtyard oasis.
The Crescent
NZIA – Wellington Architecture Awards 2025 Winner
Perched on a once-inaccessible site in the heart of Roseneath, this 2024 new build turns constraint into creativity. Designed as a multi-level family home across five compact levels, it weaves through the natural contours of the land while embracing protected heritage trees, including a striking pōhutukawa, tī kōuka and heritage apple tree.
Portside Refuge
Tightly held and rich in character, this 1905 Port Nicholson boatshed offers more than just a glimpse into Wellington’s maritime history. After seven years on the council waitlist, two custodians secured the lease to this rare gem, which also includes a mooring.
Used as a peaceful second space, the boatshed is a serene retreat from daily life, perfect for reading, relaxing or hosting friends by the water’s edge. The fit-out is simple and resilient, intentionally designed to withstand the occasional King tide while still embracing the comforts of a welcoming coastal hideaway.
Sunnyrise Garden
Built in 1877, Sunnyrise is a fine example of Victorian architecture, enhanced by a portico and ornate verandah on two sides. Named for its sunlit aspect, it sits on a 1300m² section, the largest flat residential plot for a single property in Mt Victoria.
In recent years, the current owners commissioned an extensive landscaping project by Hamish Moorhead Landscape Architects, in collaboration with Studio Pacific Architecture. The redesign features a swimming pool, flat lawn, garden, new driveway, and a courtyard with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, tailored to their large family's outdoor lifestyle and passion for entertaining. Note: Garden Only.
Mt Vic Art House
Built in the late 1800s for two unmarried sisters, this beautiful Mt Victoria villa has been sensitively updated for modern living. Recent renovations by architect Richard Baigent have transformed the original layout, opening the kitchen and living spaces into a sunlit retreat.
The Wellington couple planned carefully to ensure that in modernising their heritage Wellington villa they retained sufficient wall space to display their treasured art collection. Visitors will be able to enjoy this extraordinary private collection, with many well-known New Zealand artists displayed throughout the home.
The Moorings
The Moorings is one of Wellington’s most distinctive and storied homes. Built in 1905 by renowned architect John Swan as his family home, it showcases beautiful Edwardian craftsmanship, including rich timber panelling, stained glass and a dramatic double-height billiard room that once served as Swan’s personal studio.
Over the years, the house has welcomed artists, students, neighbours and friends through its doors, becoming a place not just of beauty but of creativity, openness and community.
Perfectly Imperfect
Interior stylist and Small Acorns store owner Amanda Holland has transformed a neglected, faux-pillared relic into a layered, character-filled home that celebrates beauty in imperfection. When Amanda and her husband purchased the house 11 years ago, it had been empty for two years and was filled with dated décor. They completely reimagined the interior, creating a warm light filled family home.
Today, their Wellington home is a vibrant reflection of Amanda’s global aesthetic. Treasures from her travels — like the vintage chai tea tray she discovered in India, now repurposed as a floral centrepiece — sit effortlessly among curated pieces from her design store.
Erskine Chapel
Widely regarded as New Zealand’s finest example of French Gothic architecture, Erskine Chapel is a breathtaking heritage landmark with extraordinary acoustics and timeless beauty. Inspired by a chapel in Alsace Lorraine, France, its soaring vaulted ceiling, Italian Carrara marble interior, and ethereal light create an atmosphere that is both grand and serene.
Listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand and recognised on the Wellington City Council Heritage List, Erskine Chapel holds exceptional architectural, historical, and cultural significance.
Miramar Living
Set on a large site in Wellington’s Miramar, this home and garden have been transformed over several years from a cluttered and neglected space into a vibrant and welcoming sanctuary.
The house blends indoor and outdoor living with large windows and thoughtful design, while the garden features native plants, fruit trees, raised veggie beds, and a custom-built outdoor kitchen and pizza oven.
Recycled materials and handcrafted details add personality and sustainability to the space, making it a warm and personal retreat that grows with the family.