The waterfront home built by Kiwi sailing legend James Davern has sold for $4.4 million, less than a year after it last changed hands.

Listing agent Jason Trowbridge, from LJ Hooker Ponsonby, said the buyers believed the waterside home at 16 Harbour View Road, in Auckland’s Point Chevalier, rivalled beachside properties on Waiheke Island.

Real estate agent Jason Trowbridge didn't bother tidying up the rooms for the photos of the Grey Lynn villa he's trying to sell - he says any likely buyers will see past the mess.

This original villa, built in the 1880s, has been carefully maintained by loving owners.

In the days before Auckland’s trendiest suburbs became trendy there was a bohemian vibe, according to real estate agent Jason Trowbridge, who says the now upmarket multi-million-dollar neighbourhoods of Ponsonby and Grey Lynn have gone from grunge to New York over the 30 years he has sold there.