NEWS RELEASE
Grand Old Merivale Manor Offers Exciting Options

One of the remaining grand old manors of Christchurch is on the market for the first time in many years and is looking for a new owner who will appreciate its history and potential.

Built in the 1910s for Christchurch Solicitor TG Russell, ‘Knowles Court’ on Papanui Road was the architectural brainchild of Mr JJ Collins of Armson, Collins and Harman. The firm also designed the Sign of the Takahe, Christchurch Press building, Nazareth House, and The Nurses Chapel at Christchurch Hospital among other such landmarks.

Marketed by Roger Hales of Harcourts’ Ilam office, he said the internal integrity of the three storey property had been “significantly maintained”. Given its location and 1973 sqm grounds Mr Hales believed it provided exciting and unique options which could include residential, medical, hospitality, bed and breakfast, or educational among others.

He added, “Knowles Court offers a rare opportunity to purchase this gracious old lady and restore her to her former glory. Features include up to ten bedrooms, impressive grand stairway, wine cellar, formal lounge and drawing room. It also has a parquet-floored ballroom which is said to have had English Royalty dance upon it when they stayed there.”

Mr Hales said a number of initial enquiries had seen a range of potential purchasers assessing the property for its possibilities and he expected the on-site auction being held Friday 28 November to herald an excellent result.

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