The Old Stone House is a historic community hub and venue hire destination located at the foot of the Port Hills in Christchurch. Originally built in 1870 by Sir John Cracroft Wilson, the three-storey stone building has a rich heritage spanning private family ownership, military use as Southern Command headquarters during WWII, and decades as a gathering place for community groups and retreats.
Today, the heritage landmark is operated by the Cracroft Community Centre Incorporated. Following extensive post-earthquake restoration that retained its authentic 19th-century character while integrating modern structural strengthening, the venue serves as a versatile setting for weddings, private functions, and community activities, surrounded by landscaped lawns, garden beds, and historic stonework.
Standing proudly at the base of the Port Hills, The Old Stone House is one of Christchurch's most enduring and cherished historic landmarks. Originally constructed in 1870 by Sir John Cracroft Wilson, the property has weathered fires, military service, and severe earthquakes, constantly emerging renewed through community determination.
Sir John Cracroft Wilson, who named the surrounding Cashmere area after his beloved Kashmir in India, originally commissioned the three-storey building as substantial stone accommodation for his Indian and Eurasian staff to shelter from the harsh Canterbury weather. Built using local stone reputedly quarried from nearby Marley’s Hill, the design echoed traditional English farm dwellings of earlier centuries, with lower storage levels, communal dining areas, and upper sleeping quarters.
Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the estate evolved. During the Second World War, Southern Command used the house as a combined headquarters and signals section, accompanied by a 70-metre radio mast. Decades later, local bodies and the Student Christian Movement used the premises for gatherings, retreats, and camps before disaster struck in July 1971 when a major fire left the structure a roofless shell.
Rather than abandoning the ruin, the local neighborhood rallied. In December 1972, the Cracroft Community Centre was established to spearhead an ambitious reconstruction effort. A dedicated army of volunteers ran fairs, established craft and yoga groups, raised funds, laid over 3,000 paving stones, and planted surrounding gardens. The building officially reopened in November 1979 as both a community landmark and an enchanting venue for weekend weddings and functions.
Following damage sustained in the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, the building proved its resilience once again. A comprehensive 15-month, $2 million strengthening project brought the structure up to 67 percent of the new building standard. Using hidden concrete internal beams, steel reinforcement beneath the slate roof, and a reinforced chimney core, engineers meticulously preserved its authentic historical appearance.
Today, managed by the Cracroft Community Centre Incorporated, The Old Stone House remains open for business. Whether welcoming couples celebrating their wedding day amidst historic stonework or hosting weekday community classes and meetings, the house continues to serve the Christchurch community with timeless warmth.