Tiny ‘50s ‘bach’ by Modernist architects listed for first time

This is probably the smallest commission received by renowned Modernist architects Pascoe and Hall (Paul Pascoe 1908-1976 established the firm), but it could be the most treasured. The current owner “temporarily” moved into the wee house, post earthquakes, and has never left.

It’s just a one-bedroom bach, essentially, perched on Clifton Hill above Sumner beach in Christchurch, and this is the first time since it was built 75 years ago that is come on the open market. But throughout all those years, it has, in fact, been a full-time residence.

It was built for Nesta Parry, who had close friends in common with Paul Pascoe. Those friends were current owner Faye Tunnicliffe’s parents, Ferne and Ron Every - the family says Nesta was like another grandmother to the extended family who lived in the same street, Kinsey Terrace.

So perhaps it wasn’t surprising that after Nesta died, Ferne became the owner of the wee house, and then daughter Faye lived there.

Ferne’s granddaughter, who prefers to be anonymous, says the house she grew up in just down the road was destroyed in the earthquakes. Her parents subsequently moved into the one-bedroom cottage as it was “a safe place that was familiar to them”.

“My mother intended on it being a temporary move, but she loved it so much she’s been there ever since.

“She went on to have it extensively renovated internally, making the kitchen open to the lounge, and this was designed by her good friend Simon Pascoe, Paul Pascoe's son.

“It has been a treasured place for the family. I remember playing in the garden growing up - Nesta was an incredible gardener; it was like an orchard. One of the original grape vines is still there.”

Faye says the sale is “bittersweet”, with the garden and view being like a “beautiful companion over the years”. But she says it’s now time for her to move off the hill where she has lived happily all of her life.

Marketing agent Pip Sutton of Ray White Ferrymead describes the property as “the ultimate one-bedroom home”.

NZ History notes that Pascoe and Hall had a reputation as one of the foremost post-war Modernist architectural firms in the country. Houses were carefully planned, modest, and portrayed qualities in tune with the local environment.”

Special features of the house include wide-plank timber wall lining in the living room, double glazing, underfloor heating and a heat pump. And then there’s the all-day sun and uninterrupted views right out to sea.

Sutton describes the garden as “whimsical” with quaint plantings and pathways and plenty of opportunity for further development if desired.