Designed in 1910 by renowned Christchurch architect Richard Harman for his brother T D Harman and originally called 'Crohane' after the family home in Ireland, this substantial house surrounded by a mature and beautiful garden, was severely damaged by the earthquakes that shook the city first in September 2010 and then on numereous occasions in 2011, causing it to be weakened beyond repair.
Richard Harman who worked for a time with Cecil Wood, is remembered for the design of a number of fine buildings including The Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo, The Curator's House in The Christchurch Botanic Gardens and The Christchurch Press building.
The exterior cladding is roughcast over lath and plaster on bricks and on close inspection it cracked so badly that large sections fell completely away, leaving walls unattached at the corners of the house.
This house has been the home of the present owners for 38 years and during that time it has seen a great deal of history, including a family wedding which took place in one of the generously proportioned front rooms.
Although this house has now been taken down, all is not lost because plans have been finalised and a new house of contemporary design is being built on the section. The model, which is a gift from a family member, will provide a lasting and tangible reminder of '101'.