Some homes have a history. Others are part of history itself. Here, the story doesn't begin with the building of a house in 1900, but with two families, a sailing ship and a journey halfway around the world in 1877. What followed was a remarkable chapter in the early history of Ongaonga, and a family legacy that can still be seen throughout the village and Central Hawke's Bay today.

Standing proudly in the heart of historic Ongaonga, this magnificent two-storey residence is one of Central Hawke's Bay's most iconic heritage homes, with a fascinating story woven into the very fabric of the village. Built by George Coles, whose pioneering family established the famous Coles Brothers building and joinery business responsible for constructing much of early Ongaonga, this grand dame is a wonderful example of the exceptional craftsmanship of a bygone era.

George was just eight years old when he arrived in New Zealand from Droxford, England, in 1877 aboard the Columbus. Travelling on the same ship was the Cantle family (also answering the call from Ongaonga founder Henry Bridge for skilled carpenters), including five-year-old Adeline, whom George would later marry in 1900. Together, they made this magnificent property their family home and, remarkably, in more than 125 years, it has been home to just two families.

Following George's death in 1941, Adeline continued living here until her passing in 1964. Their son Maurice and his wife Vera also called the property home during the 1950s, before it eventually passed into the hands of the Simpson family. In another wonderful connection to the property's past, Doug Simpson had worked in the Coles Brothers factory, and the property has remained in the Simpson family ever since.

Set amongst beautifully established trees and sweeping lawns on an incredible 8,094m2 (two-acre) section, the property offers a wonderful sense of space and privacy, right in the heart of the village. Constructed from the finest native timbers and built over two levels, the home showcases exquisite craftsmanship, including a magnificent turned central staircase and intricately detailed fireplace surrounds. There are four double bedrooms, an office, formal parlour, combined family living and dining, separate kitchen and main bathroom (now with an inside loo, although the outhouse is still present!).

Recognised as a Category 2 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand, this remarkable home is steeped in generations of history. Even the outbuildings have a story to tell, including George's original honey-extracting centrifuge, handcrafted for his beekeeping hobby.

A much-loved family home with an extraordinary past, set within one of Hawke's Bay's most charming historic villages. Opportunities to become the next owner and custodian of a property quite this special, on a magnificent two-acre setting, don't come along every day.