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 beautifully restored a derelict 1860s Oamaru stone cottage after it sat empty for 40 years. Seeking a new life post-Christchurch earthquakes, the owners undertook a painstaking renovation focused on historical authenticity.

Working with architect John McKenzie, they replicated original features and recently updated the kitchen and bathroom while retaining the home's unique character.

The 4.05ha lifestyle property includes extensive gardens, a barn with a studio, a workshop, and six paddocks, offering boutique grazing opportunities.

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