– Anna and Jesse Hansen bought a unique mid-century home in Kelson, resembling a spaceship.
– The couple’s offer included a heartfelt letter, highlighting the home’s fit for their family and interests.
– The Hansens outgrew their Stokes Valley house and found the “spaceship” home a perfect match.
Home buyers Anna and Jesse Hansen knew they wanted something different, but they hadn’t reckoned on buying a UFO.
The couple had missed out on two properties when they went to check out the three-bedroom, mid-century home on Gurney Road, in Kelson.
They were impressed by what they saw: a circular lounge with 180-degree views, taking in Avalon, the Hutt River and Matiu/Somes Island.
“When we both went inside, it was a bit like going into a spaceship. It’s quite hard to describe, but it feels quite silent and in its own little world,” Anna told OneRoof.
The couple were smitten, but they didn’t want to get their hopes up. “The only reason I didn’t know [it was the one] immediately is that I felt so disillusioned by our other experiences.”
Anna and Jesse Hansen outside their new home: “We wanted something with a special feeling.” Photo / Supplied
The house boasts stunning 180-degree views from the floor-to-ceiling windows that circle the house. Photo / Supplied
The Hansens had believed two previous properties were “the ones”, but they ended up a “bit heartbroken” after missing out on them to buyers with either better conditions or bigger budgets.
Anna said they had been watching the Gurney Road listing online since July, but thought there would be too much competition. They only decided to view it in person a few months later, after seeing it was still for sale. During that time, the vendors’ price expectations dropped to $849,000-plus.
The couple included with their offer a heartfelt letter to the owners, Dan and Rebecca Pickering, explaining why they wanted the home.
Discover more:
– Historic chapel for sale after lengthy court fight and $7m-plus restoration
– Wellington’s most photographed home shoots past its $2m guide price
– Check out the urinals! Home with the ultimate party conversation starter
They noted that the Pickerings’ homes was perfect for their young son and boasted a self-contained area for Anna’s mum, who lived with them, and even a space off the lounge, which the budding musicians could turn into a recording booth and mixing room.
Anna told OneRoof that the couple were huge fans of mid-century architecture and loved the fact that the home was designed by influential architect Rudolph Matern.
However, the deal took some negotiating. “At first we thought they had said no, then right in the middle of our holiday, they came back to us and said they had slept on it and were quite happy to go with our final offer.”
The vendors have revitalised the home, bringing back a 60s look and vibe to the interiors. Photo / Supplied
The vendors told OneRoof: “We felt like we were in a Bond villain lair and dressed it accordingly.” Photo / Supplied
The vendors say the house looks like the Starship Enterprise from above. Photo / Supplied
The Hansens had outgrown their house in Stokes Valley and had put it on the market. They accepted an offer on it around the same time they bought the Kelson home.
Anna said their “spaceship” home was a much better fit than the other homes they tried to buy. “This was the successful [one]. It’s meant to be, it suits us just perfectly.”
She added: “We’ve always loved mid-century design and architecture … we are not into beige boxes or things painted white. We wanted something with a special feeling.”
Owner Dan Pickering told OneRoof earlier this year, when the property hit the market, that he had felt something special when he first saw the house.
“When we first walked into the lounge, we just knew we had to live in this house.”
Pickering said making the decision to sell had been not an easy one, but they were moving to Kāpiti Coast to be closer to the beach and family.
Tall Poppy agent Sheree Purnell said they had known it would take a while to find the right buyer for their home, but she was pleased for both parties that they had.
“We always knew it was going to be a unique buyer looking for this magnificent house. Sometimes houses do take a little bit of time to find the right person, but you do tend to get a gut feeling when you find them.”
Purnell said it had been the most unusual property she had sold. “Who gets to sell a spaceship?”