Harbour view Cottage

While the world around the little white cottage on Avon Street has changed dramatically in the past 140 years, one thing remains the same. Ōamaru may have grown and matured, and the hands of sailors may have shaped the harbour, but the sunrises and sunsets are as beautiful today as they were in 1870.

Graeme ‘Clarkie' Clark wasn't looking at the view when he purchased the derelict cottage in 1990. No, he was more interested in the price tag. Clarkie had returned home to Ōamaru from the big city lights of Brisbane and just needed cheap and easy. He wasn't even particularly bothered about the heritage of the home; if he'd had the cash to build something, it probably would have come down. It turns out Ōamaru wasn't the only thing to change dramatically in the past few years. Electrician Clarkie is now chairman of the Ōamaru Whitestone Civic Trust, which owns and oversees the Victorian Precinct. He's married to ‘Queen of Ōamaru' Julie Walker (named for her penchant for dressing as royalty and making official appearances when so required). The cottage has been lovingly renovated and restored and is now the Harbour View Cottage, a two-bedroom, cosy hideaway for travellers. “The best comment we've ever had was ‘we feel like we know you', and that's what we want. We've decorated with local art and welcome people with lights on, the fire going and music playing. It's a touch of home.” 5 Avon Street, Ōamaru.

021 373 922, harbourviewcottage.co.nz