Historical beachfront estate hits the market

Located at 122 Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch, the 889sqm property is being marketed by Ray White Metro (Christchurch) agents Anuj Badkar and Amber Ray on behalf of the sellers, Rick and Catherine Wilkie, who are downsizing after 33 years.

The home, which now combines the original 1907 build and an award-winning extension, was originally built as a holiday home for early Christchurch wine and spirit merchant Quill Morris and his family.

Following the Christchurch earthquakes, the Wilkies chose to meticulously restore the historical front of the house, including redoing the original Marseilles tile roof. In 2012, they added a substantial rear extension.

“The original half of the house is from 1907. Quill Morris put quite a bit of money into it with chandeliers and a wine cellar underneath, and he was smart enough to build it 1.2 metres off the ground," Rick, a developer and former commercial diver, said.

"After the earthquakes the home stood up pretty well and we put a lot of effort into the quality of the rebuild.

“My brother, who was an architect, designed the back extension, which won architectural and Master Builder awards.

“The property also retains its original 1908 garage which was commissioned by Quill Morris, which shows how much money he must have had to afford an automobile at that time.”

After 33 years living in the home, the couple have decided it’s time to move on.

“We have enjoyed living on the ocean and walking the dogs down by the beach,” Rick said.

“Waking up to the glorious sunrises from the master suite has been wonderful, and Catherine says she’ll miss being able to hear the ocean, but we have decided it’s time to downsize.”

Ray White Metro agent Anuj Badkar said the property represented a rare opportunity for the Sumner area.