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
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
It’s hard to believe that this was once a paddock with chest-high straw and weeds.
One hectare around the house has been given over to formal and informal gardens. Photo: Harcourts
What’s next for the owners?
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