- A heritage-listed house at 70 Heaton Street, Merivale, is for sale “as is, where is”.
- The property, once owned by former mayor Sir Hamish Hay, is attracting significant interest.
- Agents expect the price to exceed its $1.58m RV due to its historical significance.
A heritage-listed house once owned by the five-term “people’s mayor” of Christchurch is for sale “as is, where is” and attracting huge interest.
Start your property search
The owners of 70 Heaton Street, in Merivale, had been in the midst of restoring the mansion, but Bayleys listing agents Jackie Derrick and Richard Green said a change of circumstances meant they were unable to complete the project.
The two-storey, five-bedroom, four-bathroom property is steeped in history. It was built in the early 1920s for Christchurch philanthropist and businessman Robert Ewing McDougall, with the design by prestigious architecture firm the England Brothers.
Former mayor Sir Hamish Hay purchased the building in 1961 and lived there with his family for around 40 years. He sold the property prior to his death in 2008, according to Christchurch City Council’s heritage assessment.
“The house at 70 Heaton Street is of historical and social significance as one of a number of substantial architecturally-designed homes built in Heaton Street after it was subdivided in 1914-1919 from [former politician] Robert Heaton Rhodes’ estate,” said the entry.
Former Christchurch mayor Sir Hamish Hay lived at 70 Heaton Street for around 40 years. Photo / Supplied
The house was designed by the prestigious Christchurch architecture firm the England Brothers. Photo / Supplied
“The dwelling at 70 Heaton Street has architectural and aesthetic significance as an English Domestic revival style house designed by the England Brothers in 1925.
“Robert England junior established an architectural practice in Christchurch in 1886, being joined by his brother Edward in 1906. After Robert died in 1908 Edward continued the practice specialising in large timber homes for wealthy clients.”
A New Zealand Herald obituary of Sir Hamish said he became a city councillor in 1959 aged 31 and was the city’s longest-serving mayor, serving five terms between 1974 and 1989.
Discover more:
- Derelict house for sale 'as is, where is' after years of neglect
- Black Sox legend Jim Wana selling his 'Grand Designs' art home
- Landmark house by NZ's first female architect heads to auction
“He became a trusted figure with wide community associations. Some described him as ‘people’s mayor’,” the obituary said.
Derrick told OneRoof the sale was a fantastic opportunity for somebody wanting to reinvigorate a piece of Christchurch’s history in a desirable blue-chip location.
“The moment you put something up on Heaton Street, people take notice because you’ve got quite a few character homes and historic homes down that street.”
Walking through the property was like walking into history, she said: “It really is a grand home, but it’s unfinished. It just needs somebody to go back in and restore it and love it.”
The listing has only been up for a short time, but the agents have already been inundated with enquiries.
The RV for the property is $1.58m, but the agents expect the price to go well north of that. Photo / Supplied
“I don’t think we’ve had this much enquiry on a property. It’s been huge, you know, people want to know about it,” Derrick said.
Much of the interest has come from Christchurch, but some of the buyers getting in touch are from overseas.
While the RV for the property is $1.58m, the agents expect the price to go well north of that.
Their listing said the home was set on 1064sqm of established grounds in a prestigious street, combining timeless character, remarkable scale and an opportunity for the purchaser to restore and reimagine the house.
The category 2 Historic Places designation recognised the architectural and historical value.
“The structure also has technological and craftsmanship significance in the English Revival style, with Arts and Crafts detailing, particularly in its facade and in its oak staircase.
“Extensive repair, renovation and upgrade works have been undertaken in recent years. However, a change in circumstances means the current owners will not complete the project, creating an exceptional opportunity for a new owner to realise the home’s full potential.”
The location overlooks Elmwood Park and is only moments from Merivale Village, Hagley Park, Christchurch Girls’ and Boys’ High schools, private schools and the CBD.
- 70 Heaton Street, Merivale, Christchurch, is for sale, deadline closing July 8
