Future of Cracroft landmark set in stone

A $2 million heritage restoration has transformed the Old Stone House nestled at the foot of the Port Hills.

In one of the most impressive post-earthquake comebacks, the historic House – built in 1870 – has reopened for community use.

The great great granddaughter of Sir John Cracroft Wilson, Caroline Murray, joined Mayor Lianne Dalziel to celebrate the re-opening of the Old Stone House.

“The rebuilt Old Stone House is an integral element of the city’s heritage, providing a window to the past for future generations,” Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board member Tim Scandrett says.

“A great deal of time and expertise has gone into the Stone House project to ensure the character is retained while the structure is reinforced.

“As a result, the Cashmere site is again open so that the wider community can enjoy the historic fabric of a wonderful city landmark.”

Built by Sir John Cracroft Wilson, the two-and-a-half-storey servants’ quarters building is a rare example of the lobby entry houses of Britain's late 17th century agricultural architecture.

“While Christchurch has several impressive stone buildings, the Old Stone House is the only one built for servants’ use,” Mr Scandrett says.

The building has been officially opened by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel during a ceremony attended by Caroline Murray, a great-great-granddaughter of Sir John Cracroft Wilson.

Specialist stonemasons have been responsible for cleaning and reinstating the historic stonework, with concrete beams now strengthening the structure.

The chimney has also been rebuilt around a steel core.

Christchurch City Council Operations Manager, Garden and Heritage Parks, Nicky Brown says the Old Stone House is a special place that holds many memories for local residents.

“For many years, the Old Stone House has been the perfect wedding venue or meeting place for thousands of Cantabrians,” Ms Brown says.

“We look forward to many more celebrations and gatherings at this wonderful site.”

The building’s walls are made of 600-millimetre-thick basalt stone, topped by a slate roof on timber sarking and framing. Carved volcanic Andesite stone features in the window dressings.

The repair and strengthening work has included installing new diaphragm walls and roof connections, the replacement of the stone lintels and sealing the concrete walls and foundations with pressure-injected epoxy.

To celebrate the completion, an open day will be held on Saturday, 17 February from 1.30pm to welcome the community back to the Old Stone House.

The Old Stone House is back to its former glory.