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Seaside cottage ‘a little wonky’, but owner’s had 60 good years

They don’t come much cuter than this 1890s worker’s cottage in the sought-after seaside suburb of Sumner, Christchurch.

Colleen Hawkes
Last updated: 6 October 2025 | 3 min read
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A charming 1890s worker's cottage in Sumner, Christchurch, is for sale after being home to one owner for 60 years. The property is known for being "a little wonky" due to its original construction, not earthquake damage, and is fully insured.

While liveable, it offers scope for refurbishment, with a re-levelling quote of $75k available. Marketed by Harcourts, the two-bedroom home is being sold by auction with price expectations "better than $500,000", reflecting its land value.

The owner has lived here for the past 60 years, and is only selling because she has moved to an “over 50s” unit in Norwood.

The galley-style kitchen is in tidy order.

This bedroom has the advantage of a wee office and French doors to the garden.

This room could be a small office.

The agents say the house was built with a slightly uneven floor back in the 1890s, which then determined the alignment of the rest of the structure.

There’s even a white picket fence along the boundary.

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Colleen Hawkes Colleen Hawkes
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