Pristine John Scott house listed in ‘Scott Base’ enclave

Renowned Hawke’s Bay architect John Scott designed enough houses in this Havelock North cul-de-sac, for the locals to call it “Scott Base”.

But not all of the late architect’s houses throughout the bay remain as “authentic” as this one in Toop Street. And, that, says listing agent Fiona Horne of NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, is what makes it special.

“Nobody’s altered anything - it’s still genuine John Scott,” she says. “I see many John Scott houses in this area, and a lot have been altered by people who don’t understand the aesthetic. But these owners ‘get it’. They appreciate those great features.”

Horne is referring to the concrete block walls and the extensive use of timber throughout Scott’s houses, as well as the layout and the way the rooms flow.

“These houses are special to this region. But in one John Scott house I was marketing, a potential buyer came through and said he would plaster over all the blockwork, which would have been unfortunate.”

Horne says the owners have brought up a family in the house, which they have owned for 13 years. But now the children have left home, they are downsizing to a smaller property close by.

“It’s important to them to sell the house to someone who loves it and ‘gets it’.” She says it has featured in several architectural books and magazines over the years.

Built in 1985, the 230m², three-bedroom home sits on an extra-large, 3263m² section surrounded by mature trees that ensure privacy. But, because the house is on a hill, there are still sweeping views across the valley.

“When the crew arrived to take photographs for the listing, one of the them messaged me to say they felt like they were in a treehouse,” Horne says.

In keeping with the architect’s typology, soaring ceilings follow the slope of the roofline, reinforcing the sense of space while still proving intimate spaces for living. Dark-stained beams contrast the warm brown rimu tones of the sarking. And the original timber kitchen cabinetry has been preserved.

“This is one of my favourite properties,” Horne says. “It’s just gorgeous to walk into - the vendors’ style complements the architecture.”

“This is one of my favourite properties,” Horne says. “It’s just gorgeous to walk into - the vendors’ style complements the architecture.”

The kitchen cabinetry is also original. The owners have said it’s important that a new owner appreciates the architecture as much as they have. NZ Sotheby's International

There is casual seating around the kitchen peninsula, as well as a separate table, plus the formal dining table closer to the living room. NZ Sotheby's International

Other key features common to most John Scott houses are a woodburner, and built-in furniture, including the corner window seat and shelving.

Horne, who sold another John Scott house across the road five years ago, says the location is a big plus, being it’s a quiet cul-sac that’s just a 10-minute walk to the village. “I think it’s a bit of a secret,” she says.

The property, at 17 Toop St, Havelock North, is being offered in a deadline sale, with a closing date of October 23, 2025.

Cotality puts the median property value in Havelock North at $1,043, 805. The RV for this property is $1.45 million.