Casing to protect historic cottage
One of Christchurch’s oldest homes, the cob cottage by the estuary frontage at Ferrymead, will be repaired.
The Christchurch City Council has agreed to fix severe earthquake damage to the cottage, which is known as Penfold’s cottage and was built about 1870.
Standing parts of the building will be stabilised with steel and remaining parts repaired, while two partly collapsed walls will be encased in glass to protect the remaining structure and allow visitors to view its earth construction. The roof will be fixed, but the wrecked chimney will not be replaced.
The work was expected to cost ratepayers $342,750 excluding GST.
In a report to councillors, council staff described the cottage as ‘‘an extremely rare and locally unique example of very early sod construction’’ with significant historical, social, technological, craftsmanship and landmark values. The building has a Heritage New Zealand listing.
Options, including completely rebuilding or leaving the cottage in its existing condition, had earlier been rejected. Public consultation last year attracted 40 submissions in favour of the repair, six against and two expressing concerns.
Work was expected to begin mid-year.
Council head of parks Brent Smith said the approach would allowthe cottage’s original sod and cob fabric to be retained, which would help keep the site’s history alive.
‘‘We are moving quickly to protect this landmark cottage and preserve our past,’’ he said.
A cob trail and stronger links with Ferrymead Heritage Park have also been proposed for the cottage.
The cottage was built by sea captain James Penfold and was lived in by migrants in the late 19th century.
After falling into disrepair, it was largely rebuilt in the 1940s using cob, which is a mixture of clay and tussock or rushes. It was then given to the public.
Several years later it was rebuilt again after a fire, retaining some of the original sod.