A unique and architecturally daring property in Wellington is up for sale, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for buyers to own a one-of-a-kind home. The 45-degree “backpack house,” perched over a hill in the city’s Northland district, is being sold by its creator, architect Nic Ballara, and his family. Ballara originally designed the home to be an extraordinary response to the challenging site, showing what could be achieved in a quake-prone city.
Built-in 2015, the house is a four-storey marvel featuring spectacular panoramic views of Wellington. At some of its flatter points, the home is suspended at a 45-degree angle, creating a dynamic and visually striking living space. The property offers a rare combination of city proximity and a sense of immersion in nature, with native bush surrounding the house and birdlife like k?k? and kerer? frequenting the area. Despite the unique design, Ballara believes the house succeeds in blending into its surroundings while providing a modern, functional living space.
The home includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an open-plan lounge and kitchen that opens onto balconies extending into the bush. One of its standout features is the glass elevator, which connects all four floors, offering both convenience and dramatic views. The lower level of the property is almost invisible from the street, with the only visible part being a garage, which serves as the translucent-clad entryway to the home.
The property also boasts "smart-home" technology, allowing homeowners to control various features from their phones, like lighting and security. Ballara reflects on the house as his greatest achievement, though he feels it’s time for a change as his family has outgrown the space. Initially designed for Ballara, his late wife, and daughter, the home has since become a place for his new family, but with their growing needs, they are now relocating to an inner-city apartment.
The property’s distinctive design has garnered significant interest, with agent Hadleigh Petherick calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Petherick emphasised that the house’s position, built into the side of a hill, offers a rare lifestyle where you’re essentially living next to your own slice of New Zealand’s famed Zealandia eco-sanctuary.
The house’s rateable value is currently $1.85 million, which Ballara deems a fair reflection of its worth. Given the challenges and cost of construction when it was built for around $1 million, he sees the property as a bargain for anyone willing to take on such a unique and remarkable home.
The property's deadline for sale concludes on April 16, marking the final chance for potential buyers to secure this extraordinary piece of Wellington real estate.
