Kate Sheppard Christchurch House Sold

Historic Christchurch Property has Sold

Kate Sheppard’s former Christchurch home has a new owner, five months after it went on the market.

The sprawling villa with more than 4000sqm of land in Clyde Rd, Ilam sold. Built in 1888, it was Sheppard’s home for 15 years and was the base for her suffrage campaign.

The villa passed in at auction in October, when Harcourts Holmwood auctioneer Phil McGoldrick said the owner was unwilling to discuss a sale price of less than $3.5 million. The property was valued at $3.15m.

Harcourts Holmwood Agents, Martin and Laurie Sutton, said the market for a property of that value was small, so the interest was good for the price.

The house is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home and has a Category One protection order heritage listing.

Burbury earlier said she and her ex-husband “had no idea” of its significance when they bought it.

“It was pretty amazing. Prior to that it had been just our home, but after that it felt like a real privilege to be here,” she said.

The original villa is still visible from the front of the property but it has been extended and modernised inside. A swimming pool, tennis court, stream and artesian well have been added.

Burbury, who turns 70 this year, hired the property out for a time as a venue for weddings and functions. She earlier said she plans to to spend more time at her beach house in Kaiteriteri and in England.

“I’ve truly loved it but it’s now time to pass the baton on.”