Feature article

Derelict for 40 years: 1860s cottage beautifully restored by ‘hopeless romantics’

John and Janet Adams have renovated this historical cottage into a cosy haven that honours its rich past

27 February 2026

AI summary

A couple has beautifully restored a derelict 1860s Oamaru cottage after it sat uninhabited for 40 years. The painstaking renovation prioritized authenticity, working with architect John McKenzie to replicate original features while adding a modern kitchen and bathroom.

The 4.05ha lifestyle property now includes extensive gardens, a large barn with a studio, a workshop, and six fenced paddocks. The owners are now selling to relocate closer to family, presenting a unique opportunity for new owners.

1800s to Today

The historical photo of the house in the 1800s appears in a book by Dorothy McKenzie, called Otepopo and Herbertville. The house was already occupied in 1863, and it is likely the stone was hauled by bullock wagon from a quarry west of Oamaru.The property is called New Bigging. John Adams says they discovered that was its original name - it probably came from Scotland where a bigging was a building. Or from a village in the Scottish Highlands. Photo: Supplied (left), Harcourts (right)

Formal gardens bordered with box hedging feature at the front of the cottage. Photo: Harcourts

One can imagine a family sitting out here back in the 1800s. Photo: Harcourts

The colourful interior also harks back to the past - the couple found old woodwork with the original paint colours, which they had matched. Photo: Harcourts

There are two fireplaces in the house, one in the living room and the other here in the dining room. Photo: Harcourts

Authenticity was everything in the renovations

The Adams have gone to great lengths to preserve the authenticity of the cottage, even replicating the original tongue-and-groove match lining. Photos: Harcourts

The garden has been a particular labour of love for Janet - with John helping out. The couple, who have long been avid gardeners, say it’s not as much work now that the plants have filled out. Photo: Harcourts