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Historic 1850s homestead owned by local motoring icon hits the market

Historic Governors Bay homestead with motoring legacy and modern upgrades offered for sale.

Alan Granville
Last updated: 17 April 2026 | 3 min read
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A historic 1850s Governors Bay homestead, Waitahuna, is on the market. Originally established by settler John Dyer, the namesake of Dyer’s Pass Road, it was the 50-year home of late motoring icon Gavin Bain.

The 1.73-hectare estate features a main home with modern upgrades by architect Peter Kent, a self-contained cottage, and extensive garaging. Marketed by Bayleys, this rare property offers significant history, award-winning gardens, and future potential in a tightly held location.

The property has 1.73 hectares of land and remarkable views

The views look out over Governors Bay, with the water and surrounding hills creating a calm, and scenic background. It’s the kind of outlook that feels peaceful and easy to settle into, shifting with the light throughout the day.

A large fire place to warm the living room. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

The formal dining room. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Bain loved his motoring books. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

The kitchen has been updated. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

There are three bedrooms. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

The bathroom is modern and has underfloor heating. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

There’s a self-contained colonial cottage. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Inside the cottage. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Extensive garaging to house the car collection. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Sharron Ballantyne featured in an article in NZ Gardener in 2021. Photo: JULIET NICHOLAS/NZ GARDENER

The glasshouse was an engagement present. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

Surprises in the garden. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

A nod to Bain’s love of cars. Photo: TRADE ME/BAYLEYS

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Alan Granville Alan Granville
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