Quake closes historic properties

Jim and Louise Deans' historic Home Bush Station homestead, destroyed during the earthquake, 40 km west of Christchurch. Photo / NZPA

Damage to two historic properties in Saturday's earthquake in Canterbury has forced the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) to close them.

Timeball Station in Lyttelton and Coton's Cottage in Hororata, 56km west of Christchurch, were damaged in the 4.35am 7.1 magnitude shake.

The trust said the full extent of Timeball Station's damage was being assessed, but included the loss of a chimney that fell through the roof and considerable water damage. A second chimney has been strapped, on the recommendation of a structural engineer.

People were also asked not to visit Coton's Cottage, the cob cottage built in the mid-1860s and typical of a 19th century dwelling on a small Canterbury holding.

An early inspection indicated the cottage had been significantly damaged, but an accurate assessment would be made by a structural engineer.

NZHPT heritage destinations general manager Priscilla Pitts said extensive maintenance work had recently been completed on the Timeball Station.

"As many thousands of people in the Canterbury region have experienced, the effects of the earthquake have really hit home, and the physical destruction is heart-wrenching.

"These historic heritage properties belong to the nation and they are much-loved. Fortunately at the Timeball the new drystone retaining walls seem to have been unaffected, but sadly the condition of Coton's Cottage does not appear to be favourable."

NZHPT staff are working with the Christchurch City Council and Civil Defence in assessing heritage buildings in the region.

- NZPA