Unreinforced masonry stood little chance of surviving the many earthquakes that shook the Cashmere Hills and the rest of Christchurch in 2011. Built around 1925, this imposing house at 83 Dyers Pass Road with double brick walls set on grey stone foundations and with a slate roof, has been a much loved home to its current owners for 35 years. But now, propped up by pieces of timber it’s deserted and awaiting demolition.
The rooms are generous, the proportions elegant and the three dormer windows added during alterations and renovations following a fire some years ago, provide stunning views of a lovely garden, the city below and the Southern Alps beyond.
Sadly, this will soon be gone. But the model and the memories will remain.
Two models were made of this house: one remains in Christchurch and the second in New York.