Feature article

Derelict for 40 years: 1860s cottage beautifully restored by ‘hopeless romantics’

John and Janet Adams have renovated this historical cottage into a cosy haven that honours its rich past

27 February 2026

AI summary

A couple has meticulously restored a derelict 1860s Oamaru stone cottage after it sat uninhabited for 40 years. Driven by a desire for authenticity, the owners worked with architect John McKenzie to honour the home's history, using heritage materials like Sanderson wallpapers.

While preserving its unique character, the kitchen and bathroom have been tastefully updated. The 4.05ha property now includes extensive gardens, a barn with a studio, and six paddocks, creating a unique lifestyle opportunity.

1800s to Today

The historical photo of the house in the 1800s appears in a book by Dorothy McKenzie, called Otepopo and Herbertville. The house was already occupied in 1863, and it is likely the stone was hauled by bullock wagon from a quarry west of Oamaru.The property is called New Bigging. John Adams says they discovered that was its original name - it probably came from Scotland where a bigging was a building. Or from a village in the Scottish Highlands. Photo: Supplied (left), Harcourts (right)

Formal gardens bordered with box hedging feature at the front of the cottage. Photo: Harcourts

One can imagine a family sitting out here back in the 1800s. Photo: Harcourts

The colourful interior also harks back to the past - the couple found old woodwork with the original paint colours, which they had matched. Photo: Harcourts

There are two fireplaces in the house, one in the living room and the other here in the dining room. Photo: Harcourts

Authenticity was everything in the renovations

The Adams have gone to great lengths to preserve the authenticity of the cottage, even replicating the original tongue-and-groove match lining. Photos: Harcourts

The garden has been a particular labour of love for Janet - with John helping out. The couple, who have long been avid gardeners, say it’s not as much work now that the plants have filled out. Photo: Harcourts