Built in the 1800s, the beautiful old post office at 104 Ritchie Road is being marketed by Ray White Whangarei agent Daniel Foote on behalf of the seller, Joanna Romanowska.
Keen sailors, Joanna and her husband were looking for a property on the Northland with good access to the water. They fell in love with the property’s position on the water, as well as its unique character. They didn’t find out about the historical significance of the property until later.
Mail used to be delivered to the post office by boat, and then it was delivered to residents by horseback.
“My mother has been living in the property for the last 20 years and has become very well connected in the community,” Ms Romanowska said.
“There are people who have lived there for decades and they would chat with her. Over time she has pieced together lots of stories.
“Someone came and showed her a ring in one of the trees where the horses would be tied up when they came to collect their mail.
“Someone else had the historic post masters stool which they gave to my mum as a historical keepsake.”
After escaping communist Poland with her parents in 1974, Ms Romanowska said she grew up in South Africa where she completed her schooling and medical training. She then travelled the world living and working, when she came to New Zealand and completed her registration as a doctor.
“I was going to continue travelling and working but I failed to leave New Zealand because it’s so beautiful,” Ms Romanowska said.
“We fell in love with this home and bought it as a holiday home/part-time residence, and also a place for my mother to live.
“It’s so close to the water that when you stand in the kitchen or dining room you can see little fish swimming in the water, but it’s also elevated so you have wonderful views.”
Ms Romanowska said her mum had gotten to an age where she needs to downsize so, sadly, they’ve decided to sell.
“My mum is a keen kayaker and, even at 86, she carries the kayak down to the water and off she goes,” she said.
“We’ve had our boat moored off the coast with a dinghy to go out to it.
“We are really sad to be letting it go.”
The area has lots to offer, according to Ms Romanowska, who said she could see the property suiting a range of buyers.
“The area has lots of holiday homes in the area, but Parua Bay has quite a vibrant community of people who work in Whangerei,” she said.
“There’s a school and shopping centre, and a few cafes. A lot of people have moved there permanently.
“It could be a family home for a young couple, or a retirement home like it has been for my mum, or a holiday home.”
Mr Foote said the home was full of character and had been well looked after.
“The home has authentic pioneer era character. It’s built with Kauri which was a resource back in those days,” he said.
“It’s an immaculate example of a house of this era. It has really stood the test of time.
“It’s been meticulously renovated and it’s a really comfortable home. Plus it’s in an incredible elevated, waterfront, position.
“If you’re into this style of home it’s not often you can find one you can move straight into and enjoy, usually you would need to have a trade account at Mitre10!”
