History - Saints of Tai Tapu

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History Of saints of Tai Tapu

The Church in Tai Tapu was built as a Methodist Church in 1881.

The building had undergone a number of changes over the years, but was just a shell when it was bought by current owners Heather and Sven Berger in 2011.

Together with their sons, Heather and Sven have carefully designed every aspect of the restoration, down to the smallest detail. Great care has been taken to ensure architectural integrity, with all materials and decorative features in keeping with the Gothic style of the original building.

RESTORED FUSION TASTEFULLY
CRAFTED TO CREATE A
HOMELY FEEL

Some features have been restored, such as the original Kauri floors in the main area and the altar. Other materials have been sourced from heritage buildings around the region that were dismantled following the Canterbury earthquakes.

In the upstairs building,
the flooring is from the Lyttelton Police Station. Gilded cornices from a heritage home
feature in the main bedrooms. Even the
plinth in the garden at the front of
The Church has its own story.

CRAFTED WITH A FAMILY TOUCH

While much of the work was carried out by the family, skilled carpenters were also brought in to help realise many of Heather and Sven’s design ideas. This includes the curved wall at the base of a new second stairway and the bespoke window frames in the main bathrooms.

A unique restoration, this building holds many delights for guests, such as the hidden wall safe unearthed at the Nazareth House site and a beautiful painted memorial window in the upstairs reading nook.

“The windows are of load light glass, of Gothic design, and are of pleasing effect, containing suitable symbols.”

Christchurch City Libraries
1921-1945

The Church also showcases a number of family heirlooms, with some furniture dating back to the 15th Century in Sweden, including a writing desk that penned wartime letters and an antique Mora Clock.

History Of saints of Tai Tapu

RESTORED FUSION TASTEFULLY CRAFTED TO CREATE A HOMELY FEEL

CRAFTED WITH A FAMILY TOUCH

Christchurch City Libraries 1921-1945

RESTORED FUSION TASTEFULLY
CRAFTED TO CREATE A
HOMELY FEEL

Christchurch City Libraries
1921-1945