New lease of life for historic Headmaster's House

The old Governors Bay School Headmaster’s House is back in tip-top condition.

Contractors Cook Brothers have spent months working on the historic wooden house, repairing the damage left by the earthquakes and undertaking deferred maintenance work.

They have put a new kitchen, bathroom and woodburner into the house and given it a fresh coat of paint.

The house dates back to 1868 and along with the Governors Bay School carries a Category II rating under the Historic Places Act.

Christchurch City Council Heritage Rebuild Programme Manager Richie Moyle said the contractors had taken special care to preserve the historic fabric of the building while ensuring it was fit for modern living.

“The Headmaster’s House is not only of great historic value to the Governors Bay community but also to the nation because there are only two sites in the country where both the original headmaster’s house and the original school buildings remain,’’ Mr Moyle said.

“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to secure the future of this building and safeguard it for future generations.’’