Scaled Down

Perched high on an outcrop of rock at the entrance to Sumner, this house, like so much of the seaside town, suffered badly from the effects of the earthquakes of 2010-11.  Known as 'The Rock', the house was the extreme point of Moa Bone Spur -Te Pou O Tutaemaro - the place of Tutaemaro, an ancient Ngai Tahu explorer. No longer habitable, the house has now been demolished.

Arthur Davies, grandfather of the current owner built the original home which was completed in 1912, overlooking the estuary. A gun emplacement was built by the back door to be used in the event of a Japanese invasion of Sumner. The house has remained in the family and plans to celebrate its centenary in 2012 were cut short by the earthquakes.

Remembered for its panoramic views out to sea from the beautifully detailed verandah and its spacious interior, it was a much cherished home and a peaceful sanctuary in all weathers