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Peter Beaven-designed Mid-century 'secret' on market for first time in 30 years

Thursday, 13 June 2024

This unique home was one of the earliest residential designs by Kiwi architect Peter Beavens.

Before legendary Christchurch architect Peter Beaven designed the home at 2C Marama Terrace, Te Waipapa (Diamond Harbour), legend has it he camped on the site to get a feel for the land.

Built in 1951, Abernathy House would be one of Beaven’s earliest residential designs, created for his godfather and judge Rex Abernathy, who - the story goes - camped with Beaven. The pair wanted to see how the sun and wind affected the site before committing to the design.

The result of this camping trip would be a sheltered home that captures morning and afternoon sun, along with a glorious 180-degree view of Lyttelton Harbour and the surrounding hills.

The property at 2C Marama Terrace, Diamond Harbour, Banks Peninsula has commanding views of Te Waipapapa, Diamond Harbour.
The property at 2C Marama Terrace, Diamond Harbour, Banks Peninsula has commanding views of Te Waipapapa, Diamond Harbour.

“It is easily seen from the Diamond Harbour ferry which has created its own sense of curiosity - a kind of secret hidden in plain sight,” Abernathy’s owner, Gerrad Murray said in an email.

Peter Beaven at his studio. The architect died at 82 in 2012.
Peter Beaven at his studio. The architect died at 82 in 2012.

Murray, and his wife Shelagh Murray, have owned the home for 30 years, and they have their own legends attached to the house.

The home is packed with classic Mid-century design.
The home is packed with classic Mid-century design.

As a teen, Murray studied art history at college where he was introduced to the work of US architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s most famous home, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, resonated with him. When he first saw the Diamond Harbour home, he felt sure it had a “kinship” with Fallingwater, despite the differences in scale and location.

Beaven used Charteris Bay stone and heart rimu wood throughout.
Beaven used Charteris Bay stone and heart rimu wood throughout.

“Some things stay with you never forgotten, and when the Abernathy House came up for sale we took the opportunity and purchased it.”

Built-in furniture was not common in Aotearoa at the time the home was built, but would become a popular feature of Mid-century built homes in the coming decades.
Built-in furniture was not common in Aotearoa at the time the home was built, but would become a popular feature of Mid-century built homes in the coming decades.

It was not until later that he read Beaven reference Fallingwater as a major influence on his residential work in his book, Peter Beaven: Architect.

Beaven’s innovative design used Charteris Bay stone and heart rimu wood throughout. The use of natural, local materials to create dimension, interest, built-in furniture, and a connection to the environment was a signature of Wright’s designs, too, one that would become a defining feature of much Mid-century residential design over the next two decades.

The home has two bedrooms, including a master with a private powder room.
The home has two bedrooms, including a master with a private powder room.

“This house, its place on this site and the privacy of its access adds to the overall feeling of peace and quiet,” Murray wrote. “Something of a paradox - privacy from the public but open to vast views of the elements.”

Most rooms in the home have views of the water, some as far as Lyttelton Harbour.
Most rooms in the home have views of the water, some as far as Lyttelton Harbour.

The home makes the absolute most of those views, with a series of decks and platforms accessed from several places along the front of the house. Steps lead down from the deck areas through mature planting, to a large outdoor patio.

The home has a dreamy holiday vibe in the evenings.
The home has a dreamy holiday vibe in the evenings.

Inside the home has a more modern kitchen and bathroom, replaced some time in the 90s, and two double bedrooms. The master has a private powder room, and bifold doors onto the deck. The bedroom walls are heart rimu.

After 30 years as the home’s custodians, the Murrays hare ready to pass the property on to its next caretakers.

The home has been gently renovated, with a newer kitchen and bathroom.
The home has been gently renovated, with a newer kitchen and bathroom.

“It still stands up over time as superior piece of Peter Beaven's artistic architectural achievement. This house will continue to outlive it occupants for years to come.”

The home has drawn interest from architecture fans all over the world.

'I wouldn't imagine there are many more homes like this [in Diamond Harbour or anywhere],“ says listing agent Matthew Rayner of Sotheby’s International. ”This property is unique and it is in a unique location. It's unique because of its size, the designer and the design itself.'

For anyone planning on making Abernathy home, Diamond Harbour has all the necessary amenities, including a pool, supermarket, Salt Fish and Chips, and a little café. A 44-minute drive from Christchurch CBD, it is also a short jaunt to Lyttelton by ferry, making it an easy commute.

Equally, it could be a delightful private getaway from the city.

“It does lend itself to being a bach, the ultimate bach. You just get your reading chair out on the deck, your gin and tonic in the other hand and just relax basically.“

The home is for sale by auction, which will take place on June 26, at 12pm.

Rayner says it’s hard to put a price on such a unique home, but based on the interest in the property, expectations are high. The CV for the the 118m² home, which sits on a 1151m² section is $950,000.