Trustees celebrate the completion of our latest renovation project with builder Bruce McBride
Our latest renovation project is now complete, and we have reopened to visitors!
A huge amount of work and skill has gone in to the restoration and repair of the house, in our ongoing efforts to ensure this heritage house is weathertight. Removing rotten wood, sealing gaps and sorting out some longstanding issues is an important part of protecting and preserving our taonga, the house and its collection, for future generations.
Before and After
The 140-year-old box bay window has had a major repair
We held a walkthrough for volunteers and trustees with our builder Bruce McBride, of Build McBride, where Bruce took us through the key repairs and upgrades. During the course of the work, the building team discovered some unexpected challenges including some rotten piles underneath the dining room. Some of the piles have been replaced and concreted in, and others have been strengthened by adding new piles to the originals. The work means there is now less of a lean in one corner of the dining room floor! The team also discovered a heating pipe on the roof hadn't been sealed properly and were able to sort this out, meaning less water is leaking into the property.
Rotting exterior wood has been repaired and replaced where necessary in a number of spots
The doors of the garage, where Dame Ngaio kept her rare Jaguar XK150, have also been replaced.
Trustee David Chambers, said: 'Our build team have been outstanding and the Trust would like to thank the McBride team for their care and dedication. I would also like to thank our volunteer property manager Craig Sargison for managing the project on our behalf so well.'
A big thank you for our funders
This project was made possible by funding from: The Stout Trust, Air Rescue and Community Services, Pub Charity and Mainland Foundation.
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