Georgian revival
Christchurch developers Oliver Hickman and Vincent Holloway have made a lasting impact on the look of the city since launching their company in 2019. From settlers’ cottages to colonial homes and Georgian red brick townhouses, Brooksfield has been busy helping to fill a hunger in the local market for classically designed new homes.
Shortly to begin construction at a prime Fendalton location on Glandovey Road is their most expensive development to date – Greystones. Working in partnership with distinguished London-based architects Ben Pentreath Ltd, Oliver and Vincent are seeking to restore the spirit of pre-earthquake Fendalton by channelling its Georgian Revival roots to create seven beautiful new homes on an extensive streamside block (3000m²). With steeply pitched rooflines and classical styling, the look of these new homes is strongly reminiscent of Heathcote Helmore’s residential architecture in Christchurch between the wars. Each five-bedroom home is generously sized from 224m² and priced from $2.325 million, with four already sold off the plans to Christchurch buyers. Naturally liveable, all are three-storey and feature a tasteful line-up of colours and specifications.
Greystones is named after a grand old home – built in 1926, largely of grey basalt from the Port Hills – that formerly occupied the site. Extensively earthquake-damaged, it was deemed beyond repair. Since acquiring the property last year, Brooksfield has been gradually disassembling it, selling what can be salvaged but keeping the precious grey basalt for re-use. Construction of the seven new homes is due to get underway in February 2024.
“Stone walls around the outside and chimneys in three of the houses are all of the same original stone,” observes Vincent, a former builder, who notes there is a strong appetite in Christchurch for Colonial Georgian Revival architecture. “In a way, we’re just reaching back to a style that was quite popular here in the 1920s and ’30s.”
As Oliver observes, most people are instinctively drawn to the mathematically-derived symmetry and balance that defines Georgian architecture. “I live in a Heathcote Helmore house – Vincent and I realised early on that we could build in that style too,” Oliver says.
The original Greystones home was set within award-winning gardens. This has also been respected in the new gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect Robert Watson, where existing shrubs and trees – including a large Copper beech – take a lead role. Yew and beech hedging provide formal definition. Herbaceous borders, streamside planting, cobbled driveways, and private stone paved terraces contribute to the tranquil setting.
Both Oliver and Vincent share a background in development and are proud to have one of the UK’s foremost designers of classical architecture working with them on all their developments. Ben Pentreath, who was recently awarded the prestigious Richard H. Friehaus Prize, has completed many royal commissions.
“This certainly isn’t ‘mock heritage’– it’s classical design that won’t date,” says Oliver. Vincent adds that while contemporary trends may come and go, Georgian architecture has deep and enduring roots.
In early 2024, Brooksfield will also be commencing a new three-storey apartment building on the corner of Worcester Street and Montreal Street, with all seven apartments already sold. Looking ahead, Oliver and Vincent plan to continue responding to strong local demand for single-storey cottages and standalone homes.