There's a moment, standing at the gate of "Waihora", when the world seems to pause. The harbour stretches out in front of you, the ocean shifting from silver to blue and the early 1900s Art Deco façade rises with the quiet confidence of a home that has watched Devonport grow and change around it. Locals know it. They always have. "Waihora" has been part of the backdrop for generations, an anchor on the hill, its name drawn from the Māori phrase meaning "expanse of water", a name that could not fit more perfectly.
When our owners arrived, "Waihora" was waiting patiently for someone who understood what she was - timeless, elegant and ready to be brought back to life. They started at the front gate and worked their way through every inch of the property. What stands today is a beautifully revived double storey home where an extensive amount of plants have taken root, every Tasmanian Oak board was revived, every wall repainted, every Art Deco curve and cornice restored with reverence. Ceiling insulation was added, gardens were sculpted, and the house was gradually returned to the splendour she had always deserved.
Step inside and there's a warmth that feels immediate. Sunlight pours through the north facing windows, catching the polished timber floors and guiding you through spaces shaped with both flair and functionality.
The custom kitchen, with its grand island and generous butler's pantry, feels like the heart of a storybook home - a place where conversations linger long after the plates are cleared. A few steps down, the sunken living room creates its own mood - grounded, intimate and perfectly positioned to take in that ever changing harbour view.
"Waihora" was built to be lived in generously. Five bedrooms stretch across the home, three bathrooms complement them and the master suite becomes a sanctuary all on its own. There's nothing quite like waking up to the sight of a ship easing into the port, greeting the day before you've even stepped out of bed.
There's an elegant dining room that feels made for moments - birthdays, celebrations, quiet dinners made special by the flicker of candlelight and the convenience of a nearby wine cellar. Multiple living spaces and office areas wait for their next purpose: creative studio, reading room, teenager's retreat, home business hub, the possibilities endless.
Outside, the story continues. The garden is no longer bare earth but a layered landscape of colour, texture and privacy. The grounds are fully fenced and secure, a sanctuary for children and pets to explore. A custom greenhouse stands ready for those who love to grow. The outdoor entertaining zones invite long afternoons and summer evenings, with a balcony positioned to drink in the view that inspired the home's name. Storage is abundant, the garage powered and practical.
"Waihora" sits in a pocket of Devonport where character is treasured. Here, people walk to the movies, wander down to the cafés and watch as the Spirit of Tasmania turns gracefully in the harbour almost close enough to touch. It's a neighbourhood that values heritage, care and community - and "Waihora" has always been at the heart of it.
This isn't just a home that has been renovated. It's a home that has been revived, cherished and shaped with intention. The next chapter is ready to be written and "Waihora" - iconic, elegant and deeply rooted in Devonport's story, is waiting for its next storyteller.
