A grade 1, category 1 heritage building, it has served the Christchurch Community for over 120 years. In 2014, the former convent became Home & Family’s house, known as ‘Our House.’
Following the devastating Canterbury Earthquakes, Home & Family lost the building that had housed its head office and counselling services. In 2014, thanks to the enormous generosity of the Sisters and Trustees to the Community of the Sacred Name, Home & Family secured ownership of the old convent building.
The convent was designed by Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort and built in parts from 1895. In 2011, like many buildings in Christchurch, it suffered some earthquake damage.
For the first time in 120 years, Home & Family has its own permanent home, while this significant heritage building is preserved and protected, allowing the good work that has always been undertaken from within its walls to continue.
The building was once home to Nurse Maude’s dispensary and the base from which the first district nursing office operated. It has beautiful and unique heritage features, including a chapel with historically significant stained-glass windows. Throughout the building project, Home & Family worked closely with Heritage New Zealand to ensure that the significant aspects of this building were identified, preserved and maintained as the building takes on this new purpose.
Thanks to its restoration, this taonga has once again become an asset to the community and a landmark for hope, compassion and respect.