Houghton Bay
An eclectic mix of housing and locals, on the south coast
Overview
It’s hard now to recognise the fact that the south Wellington valley known as Houghton Bay was once the site of a refuse tip. Now comprising an eclectic mix of dwelling styles and residents, the location is a haven for those wanting to be near the sea, and one of Wellington’s most attractive (and usually uncrowded) beaches. And it’s still only 10 minutes from the city centre
Best Suited To
Outdoor types, families that enjoy the sea, surfers.
Population Profile
If we consider census statistics, Houghton Bay could easily be described as average Wellington across age groups, occupations and income levels. Ethnic diversity is a little lower than average, with Europeans making up 86% of the population, versus the Wellington average of 76%. Over 40% of residents identify themselves as professionals. The area is characterised by its proximity to the sea, and this attracts people to the locality, especially to those homes that have a sea view
Typical Homes
The valley was once a small farm that supplied milk to Wellington, and houses erected at this time are typical, early 1900s bungalows. People would have been attracted to the area by its larger sites. When the farm closed in 1949 the valley became Wellington’s central rubbish dump, which must have been a very unpleasant development for those already living here. When the tip closed in the early 1970s, the land was filled and turned into recreation fields, which still exist today.
Housing development also saw growth around this time and many homes were built in that 1960s and 1970s period. Over the last 20 years some of the larger sites have been subdivided and new homes erected. Those homes along the View Road ridgeline are particularly sought after for their fine views over Lyall Bay.
Amenities
There are no local shopping services in Houghton Bay. The nearest services are located in Lyall Bay, about five minutes’ drive or 15 minutes’ walk to the east, or a similar distance west to Island Bay.
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Houghton Valley School is a small primary school toward the top of Houghton Bay Road. The school operates on a zoning system, taking in children from Houghton Bay and nearby Melrose and Southgate. Secondary schooling is available in Kilbirnie or in the city.
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Houghton Bay is spoilt for choice when it comes to leisure activities. This is surely one reason to live here. Sinclair Park and the Buckley Reserve area offer plentiful green space that runs down the valley. These areas include level playing fields, dog walking areas, and a children’s playground. The View Road Headland Reserve offers an attractive hilltop walk with stunning views over the south coast and toward the South Island. Houghton Bay beach is popular with surfers in a southerly swell, as it offers excellent waves in the right conditions. For those wanting to simply lie on a beach and relax, the beautiful beach at Princess Bay offers sand, shelter, excellent afternoon sunlight, rock pools, and changing rooms/toilets.
Real Estate Trends
Waterfront property, and anything with a view of the ocean, commands top dollar here. Homes on nearby View Road, again with spectacular views but with less privacy, have sold for up to $1.6 million. At the other end of the scale, average homes situated along Houghton Bay Road, without any sea view, are often offered for sale between $850,000 and $1.1 million.
Best Streets
View Road is sought after for the stunning outlook over Lyall Bay and the eastern suburbs. Anything absolute waterfront (The Esplanade) attracts a premium price.
House Prices
Three bedroom home, from $850,000.
Most homes in the $900,000 – $1.3 million range.
Travel Times
Central city – driving 15 minutes non-peak, up to 40 minutes peak.
Airport – driving 10 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving 25 minutes non-peak.
Weather
The eastern side of Houghton Bay Road gets the best direct sunlight here, as do those homes higher up, above the valley floor. Homes along the View Road ridgetop get the best views but are very exposed to weather from most directions.