28 Barrie Street in Christchurch is one of the many villas that were so popular at the turn of the century. Expressing much of the formality of Victorian and Edwardian life in the 1890s, the villa has become a New Zealand classic, seen in countless variations in every town and city.
This example nestles in amongst others of its age in a street named after the author of Peter Pan, J M Barrie. It has pink and green glass panes around the front door and windows, and in spring the verandah is covered with wisteria. Its owners have considered moving since their model was made, but whatever happens they now have a constant reminder of their first house.