There are homes that impress, and there are homes that linger in your memory long after you've left. Hidden quietly above Tahunanui Beach, 16 Champion Terrace belongs firmly to the latter.

Perched amongst mature gardens with panoramic views stretching across Tasman Bay to the western ranges, this remarkable residence carries a rare sense of permanence. It is a home that has been gently shaped by time, thoughtfully restored, and deeply loved. Every room tells part of its story, while every window draws your eye back to the landscape beyond.

Originally built in the 1930s as the summer residence of Nellie Nightingale, the well-known local businesswoman whose generosity gifted the land for Tahunanui's Nightingale Library, the home possesses a history that quietly enriches everything around it. Over the past twenty-five years, its current owners have undertaken an extraordinary restoration, carefully preserving its original craftsmanship while introducing every comfort expected for modern living.

From the moment the handcrafted timber doors open, there is an unmistakable feeling that this is somewhere special. Original leadlight windows, rediscovered during renovation and lovingly reinstated, scatter afternoon light across the entrance, while distinctive arched timber windows frame ever-changing views of sea, sky, and coastline. The adjoining office provides a peaceful retreat, where work is softened by the beauty beyond the glass.

The living spaces unfold naturally, each one inviting you to slow down. Once separate rooms have been opened into a generous central living area where family life gathers around the warmth of the fireplace. Tiled floors introduce a subtle Mediterranean character, while French doors dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, allowing the veranda and breathtaking outlook to become an extension of everyday living.

The kitchen sits comfortably at the heart of the home. Finished with stainless steel benchtops, a generous island, and excellent connection to both indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, it balances practicality with understated elegance. Whether preparing a quiet breakfast or hosting friends around a long table, it feels designed for people to gather.

Beyond sliding timber doors, a second lounge offers an altogether different mood. Rich Rimu flooring, an ornate ceiling rose, and a second fireplace create warmth and intimacy, while French doors open beneath cascading wisteria into gardens that feel wonderfully secluded. It is the sort of room that naturally becomes a favourite, changing with the seasons yet always inviting.

Four beautifully proportioned bedrooms provide comfortable accommodation, including a peaceful master suite with ensuite and views framed by an established magnolia. The family bathroom has been tastefully updated, while a separate toilet, generous laundry, and excellent storage ensure the home functions as beautifully as it looks.

Equally impressive is everything you cannot immediately see. The home has been re-piled, re-roofed, re-wired, re-plumbed, partially double glazed, and repainted throughout. Significant investment has been made behind the scenes, allowing its character to be enjoyed with complete confidence.

Outside, the property becomes something altogether magical.

Stone terraces step gently through established gardens where mature trees, flowering borders, and sun-soaked sitting areas create a series of intimate outdoor rooms. The swimming pool nestles amongst the greenery below the front deck, sheltered, private, and bathed in sunshine. Hidden amongst the planting, a pathway winds quietly down the hillside to Tahunanui Beach, placing morning swims, evening walks, and waterfront cafés within an easy stroll.

Completing the property is an oversized garage with room for three vehicles, together with a substantial workshop that offers endless possibilities as a studio, creative space, or hobby room.

Some homes are admired for their architecture. Others for their setting. Very few possess both, together with a story that has unfolded across generations.

16 Champion Terrace is one of those rare places where history, craftsmanship, landscape, and everyday life exist in quiet harmony. It is not simply a beautiful house. It is a home that feels timeless.

For a copy of our comprehensive information booklet or to arrange your private viewing, contact Nina James today.