A piece of Great Barrier Island’s wartime history is up for grabs as the old Naval house, part of the Palmers Beach listening station established during World War II, has been listed for sale. This unique property, crucial in monitoring Japanese radio traffic and gathering intelligence, offers a rare opportunity to own a significant slice of New Zealand’s military heritage.
The property was listed on 29 November by local estate agents Mike Jensen and Karen Lombard.
Spanning 3.7 hectares, it boasts panoramic views overlooking the world-class surf of Awana Beach and the pristine Awana Valley. The estate includes two spacious dwellings: a traditional three-bedroom home ideal for family living, and a converted three-bedroom laboratory, now serving as versatile accommodation for guests or extended family, complete with a billiard table perhaps once used to entertain toiling soldiers between shifts protecting the waters off Aotea and across the Hauraki Gulf.
In addition to its residential facilities, the property includes three established orchards with mature fruiting trees, including olives, providing a fresh supply of produce. There is also ample storage with two single garages and a large generator shed, catering to a variety of practical needs.
The sale is being conducted through a Deadline Private Treaty, set to close at 12 noon on 7th February 2025, unless sold prior. The Naval offering follows the recent sale of the nearby Gray Family farm, which sold for more than $10 million.
Unlike their upmarket neighbor, which has well and truly stepped into the 21st century, the buildings on the naval property, built in 1956, are arguably more ‘heirloom artifacts.’ Perfectly preserved in a post-war bubble, they’re more ‘frozen in time’ than ‘freshly renovated.’
A ten-minute walk from Awana Beach, the property offers access to some of the island’s best spots for surfing, swimming, and fishing. The secluded setting making it a candidate for those dreaming of a family retreat, a self-sustaining haven, or perhaps even an exciting 007-inspired tourism venture.
