Bold colours, rich history: The revival of Christchurch's Money House
Amidst the sleek lines of new apartments in Ōtautahi, Christchurch's rebuilt central city, a charming heritage-listed worker's home stands as a proud reminder of the city's early settlers. Thanks to the foresight of owners Simone and Joe, the design talents of Team Architects Christchurch and the skilled craftsmanship of Ross Bailey Builders, this home has been refreshed with a Resene palette that celebrates its unique character and heritage.
This modest dwelling, known as ‘Money House’, was built in 1881 by Alfred and Annie Money. Today, it has been meticulously restored, showcasing its historic charm while incorporating modern comforts and materials.
Holding significant architectural and aesthetic value as an intact example of an early square-plan villa, the house boasts distinctive features such as a hipped roof, symmetrical plan, sash windows and a decorative bullnose veranda with cast iron lacework. These elements have been carefully preserved and enhanced to celebrate the home’s unique character.
A restored letters slot and handle pay homage to the home’s rich history, standing out against a blue that’s full of joy, Resene Jordy Blue.
A marvel from the street, Money House is painted in Resene Aroha with trims in Resene Black White and a welcoming front door in Resene Jordy Blue.
The exterior now shines in a deep, rich red, Resene Aroha, which boldly stands out against the crisp white accents of Resene Black White and a striking blue front door painted in Resene Jordy Blue. This vivid colour scheme not only draws attention but also harmonises with some of the surrounding heritage buildings, creating a visual theme in the neighbourhood.
Restoring Money House was a considerable undertaking, involving both earthquake repairs and additional strengthening to future-proof the building. The house was temporarily moved to the back of the site to allow for new 2.8-metre-long screw piles and a robust steel foundation system. Now sitting slightly higher and positioned about a metre east of its original location, the cottage stands as a vibrant sentinel on the street.
A creamy neutral was used in the main areas to bring warmth throughout the space and complement the wooden features. The walls are painted in Resene Half Dutch White with trims in Resene Black White.
The hallway features a soft, breezy shade of Resene Pattens Blue, complementing the refreshed wooden flooring and features. Trims are painted in Resene Black White.
New double-hung, double-glazed sash windows and weatherboards replicate the original design, while the restored bullnose veranda and repaired cast iron lacework reveal the intricate details of the past. The lowered front fence ensures the house remains a prominent feature for passersby to appreciate.
Inside, Money House continues to charm with kauri doors meticulously repaired and heritage-style architraves, door frames and picture rails. The new Blackwood flooring, sourced from the West Coast, adds a touch of warmth and elegance.
The interior colour palette features soothing tones like Resene Pattens Blue in the hallway, creating a restful ambiance. The kitchen and living areas are painted in Resene Half Dutch White, offering a light, airy feel, while the bedrooms exude tranquillity with Resene Half Robin Egg Blue from the Karen Walker Paints collection.
The bedroom is painted in the soft blue green shade of Resene Half Robin Egg Blue. This colour provides a striking contrast against the polished flooring and rich brown furniture.
The laundry brings a modern touch with fresh new tiles and cupboards painted in Resene Half Dutch White.
Choosing such a bold exterior colour scheme required careful consideration, but the results have been moving. Inspired by the vibrant Scandinavian homes seen by the owner during a stay in Sweden, the ‘red house blue door’ concept makes the home a standout landmark. This choice also aligns with the neighbourhood’s heritage theme, complementing the nearby iconic English pub Pomeroy's, also painted in rich red.
The project was not without its challenges however, including extensive earthquake damage and rot in the existing timber cladding and windows. Expert craftsmanship ensured these elements were replicated as closely as possible to the original. Notably, the north-facing weatherboards are shiplap, while the east, south, and west sides feature rusticated boards, maintaining historical accuracy.
A true masterpiece, Money House will continue to inspire with its fresh colour palette of Resene Aroha, Resene Jordy Blue and Resene Black White.
The revitalised Money House is not just a home; it is a vibrant piece of Christchurch's history. Thanks to the thoughtful restoration and the bold, heritage-inspired colour scheme, this little worker’s cottage now stands as a proud and colourful reminder of the city’s pioneering spirit.
Did you know you can stay at Money House? Owners Simone and Joe will be happy to help you out, click here for more info!
design Team Architects Christchurch
client Simone Rewa Pearson and Joe Tonner
build Ross Bailey Craftsman Builders
painting Mitchell Decorators
Top tip: If you have an older character house and want to bring in a classic style in your approach to the colour scheme, check out the Resene Heritage colour palette at your local Resene ColorShop or reseller, or see it online at www.resene.com/heritage.
Published: 26 Jun 2024
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square-black.png)
Resene Half Dutch White
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square-black.png)
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Half Dutch White
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square-black.png)
Resene Half Robin Egg Blue
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square-black.png)
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Half Robin Egg Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square-black.png)
Resene Half Dutch White
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square-black.png)
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Half Dutch White
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square-black.png)
Resene Half Robin Egg Blue
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square-black.png)
![Square square colour information icon Square square colour information icon](/_resources/themes/newhabitat/images/square-square.png)
Resene Half Robin Egg Blue
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.