Wharetiki, Art Nouveau residence in Christchurch City, New Zealand.
Wharetiki is a two-story Art Nouveau house in Christchurch distinguished by a prominent turret and elaborate timber details across its exterior. The building contains multiple bedrooms and formal reception rooms, with later additions of modern conveniences throughout.
The house was built in 1904 for businessman Matthew Barnett and featured modern amenities of its time, including an artesian well for water supply. These technical innovations allowed the family to access water on the property, which was noteworthy for the era.
The house reveals how wealthy merchants in early twentieth-century New Zealand lived and the value they placed on elaborate architectural details. The generous proportions and skilled craftsmanship show the lifestyle these successful business owners enjoyed.
The building is easily visible from the street and sits in an accessible residential area of Christchurch. Visitors should know that the architectural details are best appreciated from the exterior, and the property can be viewed from the street.
The house became the subject of a notable legal case in 2011 when it challenged the demolition powers of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. This case was significant for how heritage protection and demolition laws would be applied after earthquakes in New Zealand.
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