A brand new Timaru townhouse with a range of views among the most varied and spectacular in the country is for sale.

Formerly the site of a large villa built in the 1930s, which was used in its final chapter as a retirement home, architectural designer Pat Coll had his eye on the property for several years before it became available. When it did in 2019 Pat teamed up with builder Javas Wright and colleague Haidee McCabe to buy the property and realise their shared vision.

“From up here the views are sensational. To the north and east the Port of Timaru and Caroline Bay, and to the west the Southern Alps, not to forget the bright lights of downtown Timaru. Maximising those was the main design challenge: looking to where the views are, following the sightlines, and fanning the front of the building out to maximise each view. We came up with a two-storey house in a wedge shape to fit the section while taking in as much as possible of the various views, particularly back to the mountains.

“Views aside, the proximity to a busy working port and the highway was another challenge. To mitigate that and insulate the inside as much as possible from the noise outside, we have built external walls of polystyrene and concrete, making them 300 millimetres thick, using hush glass for all the windows. In addition, showcasing a renowned local building material on a premium site in a slightly unconventional way, Timaru bluestone features throughout. 

“With all the living areas on the first floor, it is important to create good inside-outside flows to the decks, and ensure plenty of shelter,” says Pat. 

Presented to the market by Ricky McLeod of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Timaru the townhouse is the third of three built on the property after the other two sold off the plans. Ricky describes it as expertly constructed. 

“Elegantly designed using sleek lines and brought to life through contemporary materials and meticulous craftsmanship, this executive home epitomises quality and sophistication, at one of the most desired addresses in Timaru, a short stroll to the city’s vibrant restaurant-café-retail precinct, and the renowned Piazza and Soundshell,” says Ricky. 

Javas Wright, whose company Aorangi Builders has previously won the local house of the year, reckons this project is probably the best he has ever completed. 

“Pat came up with an excellent design, and if anything, the build is even better than how it presented on the plans. 

“One of the other two houses has been occupied for approximately a year, and the owner absolutely loves watching the ever-changing activity down at the port. With this one the view is possibly even better, including views to the Soundshell, giving an unrivalled experience from the balcony of the city’s regular free concerts,” says Javas.

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