Waverton: Termites cruel to $1.5m ‘doer-upper’

Dual access is a win.

THERE’S no power to the home, the floors move up to an inch and almost bounce in the front rooms, and there’s a distinct slope through most of the main rooms that gives you an uneasy unbalanced feeling.

The price guide? A cool $1.5 million, when it goes to auction on October 28.

Real estate agents love to describe the houses they are selling as “unique”, but rarely does that ring true.

In the instance of 17 Crows Nest Rd, Waverton though, there actually is nothing else like it on the market. For better, or for worse.

Termites have enjoyed the woodwork in the garage, and on the side stairs.

Security is questionable in the garage, and dodgy wood means back veranda is out of bounds.

The deceased estate was home to a man for the last 40 to 45 years, and in that time — or since — it seems termites have ruled the roost.

A huge mound in the garage rings alarm bells, but the side stairs — closed to prospective buyers as they are a hazard — along with the sketchy wooden back veranda, and some visible termite debris through the house tell the story.

But despite the clear pitfalls, this house is creating a huge stir and Aaron Bongiorno and Annika Bongiorno from Stone — McMahons Point are expecting a huge interest on auction day.

“I’d describe it as a brilliant, brilliant home, in a terrible, terrible state, Mr Bongiorno said.

“I say that because of the size of the block (322sqm), the dual access, the location, the potential, and because you just don’t see anything like this on the north shore.

“Termites have been cruel to the place over the years, but the guide is $1.5 million and it’s definitely going to auction.”

The floors bounce and slope, and more than a coat of paint is needed.

But some features, like this brick arches, are still pretty special.

Mr Bongiorno told several interested parties that he’d expect buyers to spend anywhere between $500,000 on doing the house up, to an extra $1.5 million for rebuilding the house altogether.

The realestate.com.au listing describes the house as: “a once delightful home that has fallen from its former glory”.

“This single level Federation charmer offers fantastic potential for anyone who can recognise great bones and is willing to put their money where their imagination is,” the listing reads.

It’s got great bones.

And is in a great location.

“The combination of high ceilings and light flooding in from the windows all along the northern wall give you an idea of what a great space this could be with polished boards, a fresh paint and possibly a whole lot more.”

“Bring your bravado and your builder, your future masterpiece awaits.”

The house is not heritage listed and not located in a conservation area.