Tiptree Cottage Trust

Tiptree Cottage Trust exists to preserve Tiptree Cottage and grounds, a site of national significance, for the benefit of current and future generations. Built in c. 1862, Tiptree is one of the oldest remaining buildings and is the most intact cob cottage in Canterbury. The significance of Tiptree Cottage is recognised by Heritage New Zealand as a Category I listed building, the highest rating possible. Once restored, Tiptree will provide enduring benefit to the community as a place for family and community to belong and as a rare historic example of pioneering architecture, as a living museum, containing many historic artifacts.

Tiptree Cottage has been fought for multiple times throughout its history. Firstly when the builder of the cottage, William Savill, passed away seven years after Tiptree was built. At the time his wife Eliza was not legally entitled to the property, so she sailed back to England to fight for ownership. After a hard battle, she finally managed to purchase the property four years later for £330. Her perseverance and resilience was a reflection of the pioneering spirit of colonial New Zealand.

From the 1930’s Tiptree was being used as a sheering shed, which caused much wear and tear on the building from sheep rubbing up against the cob. It was only because of the Gregg family taking ownership in 1963 that the cottage was rescued from ruin and converted into a museum with many original artefacts belonging to the house. Monthly working bees and much hard work and dedication by the Greggs saw Tiptree once again kept alive.

Tiptree Cottage Trust is now fighting for its life for a third time. This important, iconic building remains as a reminder of our history. It must be saved.

The trust runs as a not-for-profit and was officially registered with the Charities Commission as a Charitable Entity in 2010, (Reg No. CC44634). Our transparent finances can be found on the Charities Commission register. There was no insurance or EQC payout on the cottage at the time of the earthquake damage, so fundraising, grants and begging are the only available methods of paying for the repairs. Once the repair work is completed and the structure is secured the trust plan to obtain ongoing building insurance.

All administrative time is provided at no cost by the trustees. Currently the trust has six volunteer trustees, three from the Gregg family who bought the property in 1963, (Peter Gregg, Arlene Wright and Andrew Gregg), and tirelessly restored Tiptree from a shed for sheering sheep to a historic home museum. In 1983 the Gregg family had the foresight to establish the Tiptree Cottage Trust to ensure the preservation of Tiptree Cottage. In July 2016 three descendants of William and Eliza Savill, who built Tiptree, were added to the team, (Kate McLeod, Rebecca Jacka and Helen McLeod).

The cottage has survived well structurally and remains very intact following the Christchurch earthquakes. However there are several major cracks in the cob walls throughout the building requiring extensive strengthening and repair to ensure a safe building for visitors. The trusts' goal is to form the best team to ensure the repairs are completed sympathetically, respecting the historical significance of the building. We have employed New Zealand’s most highly regarded heritage architect, Dave Pearson from DPA Architects and the most highly regarded earthquake structural engineer, Win Clarke to undertake the heritage assessment and outline proposed work. After a tendering process C. Lund and Son Ltd. was chosen to undertake the first stage of structural works which was completed in September of this year. Now that the key strengthening stage has been completed the second and final stage is needed to repair the cob. The next stage is to repair the cob walls, both inside and out, improve drainage, and repair some timber joinery. The funding is not currently secured for this work. This is where we need your help.

Please donate or get in touch with us at contact@tiptreecottage.com if you want to partner with us, to ensure this unique treasure is restored to its former glory.