Join us for a free guided tour of Risingholme Homestead as part of the upcoming Christchurch Heritage Festival.
Named after the natural rise on which it stands on, Risingholme Homestead has been a steady presence in the Opawa community for over 160 years. Initially built as a family residence in 1864, this Category 2 listed heritage building has since become a space that has evolved to meet the needs of the people it serves — both as a private home full of stories of change and expansion, through to its current role as a community hub and place of learning.
The theme for this year’s Heritage Festival is “Building Place – Evolving Communities”. It is a theme which relates to the physical construction of the city and the anniversaries relating to how our communities have changed and developed over time. With over 160 years of history, Risingholme Homestead is a place that holds many stories of life, leisure, and change in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
During this guided tour you will get the chance to view the full building, taking in the special heritage details and hear some of the stories of the people who called Risingholme home.
The first part of this guided tour explores the exterior of the building, highlighting aspects of its Carpenter Gothic style and how the 2011 earthquake uncovered previously hidden aspects of Risingholme’s history. The homestead was commissioned by the prominent local political family, the Reeves, in 1864 and built by architects Maxwell Bury and Benjamin Mountfort. It remains a rare example of Maxwell Bury’s domestic work and is an excellent example of the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture.
In the second part of the tour, visitors will wander through the Homestead’s many rooms learning more about how the building was used by its residents and how it has changed over time. Two of the biggest changes to the homestead include the expansions and additions between 1918-1943 undertaken by the Anderson Family, and the recent comprehensive restoration project completed in 2019.
A series of historical panels expanding on Risingholme’s long history, and a small archival display will also be available to view at the conclusion of the tour.
Note: Tours are capped at 10 people per session and start on the hour at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. The upper floors are only accessible via stairs.
Tickets are FREE but reservations are necessary. Book your ticket below.