Home away from home
European inspiration breathes new life into this heritage New Regent Street building.
On Christchurch’s iconic New Regent Street, a first-floor space on the corner of Gloucester Street has been transformed into a luxurious urban retreat that marries French-inspired Mediterranean aesthetics with the building’s heritage Spanish Mission-style charm. The boutique accommodation, aptly named Elysian Du Regent, is the culmination of one family’s vision and a talented team’s execution.
The Gill family has owned the building since 1998, when it housed their Little India restaurant downstairs and an office upstairs. Over the years, the upstairs space has worn many hats – from boutique retail shop storage to office space.
“It’s had a few different identities over the years,” says Arjun Gill, who, along with his wife Dolly, spearheaded the transformation. “I’ve always wanted to turn it into a high-end accommodation. Once the previous tenant moved out, it was just the right time to give the whole place a full refurbishment.”
That refurbishment would prove to be a comprehensive undertaking. James Hunter from James Hunter Design and Jeff Steel, the project’s builder from Homebase Construction, were initially approached through family connections for some design and repair work before the project “gained legs”.
“The couple was initially interested in tidying it up and turning it back into a basic one-bedroom apartment,” Jeff recalls. “And then it grew as we got into it, and the couple saw the opportunity to turn it into something pretty special.”
The renovation involved stripping the 55 square metre space back to its bare bones. “Everything has changed – we completely gutted the place,” says Arjun. “It was stripped down back to an empty shell with just the walls, and then the rest is all completely brand new – room layout, flooring, curtains, bathroom, and tiling.”
This gutting process gave the team the opportunity to ensure the building was structurally sound. Being in a heritage-listed building presented its own set of challenges. “New Regent Street has all these heritage regulations around what you can and can’t do,” Arjun says. “It was a balancing act to ensure we were following the Council regulations and keeping the building looking in its original, authentic form.”
Jeff elaborates on one particular hurdle: “The existing front balcony didn’t comply with the building code – it was too low, and the spacings between the rails too great. So there were some discussions with the Council’s heritage team about whether we could remake a like-for-like balcony. Ultimately, the solution was to put some clear Perspex around the outside of it, which meets the code but also blends in so you can’t see it.” It’s this problem-solving approach that Jeff thrives on in his business.
For the interior design, Dolly worked with designer Alexandra Blair of Interior Design to create a space with unmistakable European flair. The inspiration came from the building’s distinctive architectural features.
“The beautiful arched windows – that’s what inspired us to have a very modern European look,” Dolly explains. This was her first major design project beyond their own home, and the results speak for themselves.
Both Arjun and Dolly agree that the bedroom is their favourite aspect of the finished apartment. “There’s just something about it. As soon as you open the two doors when you walk up the stairs, immediately the big bed invites you in.”
Arjun adds, “The bedroom and the headboard – the room transports you to being somewhere in, say, southern France, but as soon as you walk downstairs, you’re in the central city of Christchurch.”
Jeff takes pride in how the entire project came together. “I’m proud of how the whole thing turned out in the end. The interior designer did an amazing job with how it all looks. It’s a rewarding experience doing that type of work, as it involves a lot of problem solving, integrating new products with established features, such as the large arched windows.”
Now operating as a boutique Airbnb accommodation, Elysian Du Regent aims to attract international visitors, domestic travellers seeking a luxury weekend getaway, business travellers, and even locals looking for a memorable staycation. Its central location on the pedestrian-friendly New Regent Street is perfect to take in the haven of boutique shops, cosy cafés, and artisan eateries. “The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed,” says Arjun. “The evening lights that shine onto the buildings add to the area’s unique character.”
The transformation from workspace to luxury accommodation represents the realisation of a vision to create a “home away from home” that celebrates the building’s heritage while offering modern luxury. As Arjun puts it, it’s “a hidden oasis” where travellers can experience a touch of European elegance in the heart of Christchurch. As the name Elysian translates: a place of heavenly happiness.