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‘I wouldn't say we agreed instantly’: The couple who bought a derelict school in a tiny town
Quarry Hill School has been given a new lease of life.
AI summary
A Southland couple transformed the derelict Quarry Hill School in Tokanui into a unique home. Purchased in 2017, the project involved a $250,000 renovation that modernised the 1958 building with insulation and double glazing while preserving its historical character.
Original features like a chalkboard and student cubby holes were retained. A key highlight is the conversion of the old swimming pool into a self-contained, one-bedroom chalet. The unique property is now listed for sale with Bayleys.
How it looked when the couple arrived. Photo: SUPPLIED
Looking much better now. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
Ian "Hippy" Rogers and his wife Sue. Photo: SUPPLIED
The building was stripped back. Photo: SUPPLIED
The kitchen used a lot of reused material. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
It took three years to renovate. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
The main living room is bright. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
It used to look very different. Photo: SUPPLIED
And now. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
The original chalkboard remains. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
The cubby holes have survived. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
The pool had seen better days when the couple bought the property. Photo: SUPPLIED
The new chalet has been built. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
A bath in the old swimming pool. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
The property sits on half a hectare of land. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
The bell to call the children into class. Photo: BAYLEYS/TRADE ME
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