Winton has completed the important task of safeguarding the four heritage homes on Marlborough Crescent for future generations.

The houses sit on around 1,100 sqm of land each with Marlborough Oval at their back and the harbour below them, at the end of the lawn. The exteriors have been lovingly restored to a high standard. New triple car garaging has been added and the grounds landscaped. Inside, the homes are in original condition and packed with gorgeous period features, including leadlight windows, elegantly turned stair banisters, native timber floors and architectural detailing.

The north-facing front rooms look out onto one of the most peaceful and romantic vistas Auckland offers, over sweeping lawns, past the limbs of magnificent pohutukawa to the waters of the upper harbour as they pass between Hobsonville Point and the bush-clad headland of Beach Haven.

The four houses are part of the Launch Bay neighbourhood, of which the focal point is Marlborough Oval, the former Air Force parade ground. Winton CEO, Chris Meehan, says the company is working hard “to create a thriving community within Hobsonville Point while celebrating the heritage of the old Air Force base.”

The houses were originally built by the RNZAF to house married officers and their families. No 2 Marlborough Crescent, the single story house, was built first in what’s known as ‘English Bungalow’ style. An aerial photograph dated 1933 shows it in place.

The other three houses are identical in plan. Built in ‘English Cottage style’, they were completed by 1936. No 2 was occupied from 1935 by WWI veteran Flight Lieutenant Wilson and his family. Daughter, Janet Beech (nee Wilson) lived in the house until 1942 and describes a child’s paradise, until the Japanese entered the war and the houses on the base were sprayed in camouflage paint and had bracken put over the roof.

"There was no daylight in our houses when the Japanese came into the war," she says.

Winton is looking for new owners who are keen to renovate the interiors (extending the houses is optional) and fill these fine heritage homes with life again.

Visit www.winton.nz/our-projects/launch-bay to find out more.