Restoring a 110 Year Old Villa - An Insurance Reinstatement Project.
Before: A tree came down during a storm event and severely damaged this 110-year-old villa. After: Repairs complete
Restoring a 110-Year-Old Villa in Kereru, Hawke's Bay: A Success Story by JM Services
When it comes to renovating historic homes, choosing the right builders is crucial, especially in regions like Hawke's Bay, where the architectural heritage is rich and cherished. Recently, we undertook a challenging renovation project in Kereru, a rural area in the central Hawke’s Bay not far from Napier and Hastings. The project involved restoring a beautiful 110-year-old villa that had suffered significant damage after a beech tree fell on the property during a storm.
The Challenge: Repairing Extensive Damage
The falling beech tree caused severe damage to the villa, affecting critical elements of the home. The roof, flashings, totara decking, subfloor, facing boards, leadlight windows, and soffits were all compromised. The homeowners, Polli & Brian, were understandably devastated by the damage to her beloved historic farmhouse, which had stood as a landmark in Kereru for over a century.
This was no ordinary renovation project. This restoration required skilled builders with a deep understanding of historic homes, traditional materials, and the craftsmanship necessary to bring the villa back to its former glory. There would be all sorts of challenges, namely that all the materials were natives harvested and milled on site, meaning that we couldn’t just order modern materials that would fit. Everything had to be cut to size in order to fit the existing character of the house.
The Restoration
Our team took on the challenge, meticulously planning every step of the repair process. From sourcing and creating the right materials to ensuring that the restoration work met modern standards while retaining the villa’s original charm.
Key aspects of the project included:
Roof & flashing repair: The team rebuilt the damaged roof and porch, carefully matching the original materials to preserve the villa’s historical integrity. The roofing iron was upgraded from the original short run iron featuring a lap join which can present a corrosion point to the more modern style long run iron.
Totara Deck and Subfloor Restoration: Using traditional carpentry techniques, the deck and subfloor were restored, ensuring the villa’s structural stability. Native Totara decking was sourced from Westport at the request of Polli and Brian and was installed in a way that married up the existing weathered timber and newer Totara.
Leadlight Windows and Soffits: The delicate task of repairing and restoring the leadlight windows and soffits was handled with precision, T&G soffits were used to preserve the details that make the villa unique.
Client Testimonial: Polli’s Experience
In addition to the before and after photos of the renovation, we also had the pleasure of interviewing Polli, the homeowner. She shared her thoughts on the entire process, praising JM Services for their professionalism, great communication, attention to detail, and dedication to the project.
Polli’s testimonial highlights the importance of choosing experienced builders who understand the nuances of renovating historic homes. Her satisfaction with the project is a testament to the quality of work that JM Services delivers on every renovation they undertake in Hawke's Bay, Napier, Hastings, and beyond.Why Choose JM Services for Your Renovation?
Why Choose JM Services for Your Renovation?
Whether you’re looking to renovate a historic villa or undertake any other building project in Hawke's Bay, JM Services has the expertise, experience, and dedication to ensure your project is completed to the highest standard. Our team of expert carpenters takes pride in every job, handling all aspects of the renovation process from start to finish.
If you have a villa renovation project in mind, especially in areas like Napier or Hastings, don’t hesitate to contact JM Services for a free assessment and quote. Let us help you bring your vision to life.
For more information, visit our website or contact us directly to discuss your renovation needs.