Riccarton House

Christchurch heritage home earthquake repairs

Built in three stages in 1856, 1874 and 1900, Riccarton House was built for the Deans family - one of Canterbury's early pioneers. Located on the banks of the River Avon and surrounded by gardens, native bush and lawns, the heritage house and land is now open to the public for guided heritage tours and with a restuarant in the historic homestead, caters for lunch, weddings and special events. 

During the February 2011 earthquake, Riccarton House suffered extensive, but repairable, damage to the interior and exterior of the house and surrounding buildings. A $2 million restoration project was undertaken over 2 years, and Plaster Works was thrilled to be part of the restoration team.

Plaster Works were contracted to repair and re-plaster the internal walls and ceilings of the historic house, combining modern earthquake strengthening techniques with traditional sand, lime and horse hair plaster. This was applied over existing and new lath substrates.

Riccarton House was reopened to the public in April 2014.