A heritage survivor - Paterson House

This is a good news story! The heritage-listed Paterson House, in Halswell Quarry Park, has survived the Christchurch shakes with what appears to be minimal damage. One chimney (not seen in this photo) has some temporary support around it.

This building is referred to as the manager's house, as the first occupants were Mr Paterson and his family. He arrived from Scotland in 1927 to manage the quarry operations. The perimeter walls consist of 10inch thick concrete, covered with a solid veneer of fine blue-grey Halswell stone, harvested from the quarry. The paving and garden terracing are also Halswell stone.

It is generally not open to the public, but I have been in it once, during a heritage week. Inside it is in a state of disrepair, and is being used for storage. However the Christchurch City Council has been active in maintaining the outer facade and roof areas.

Along with another heritage-listed building at the Quarry (the quarrymen's quarters) Paterson House is very important in giving us an insight into just what life was like for quarry workers.