- The auction for the ark in Sumner, Christchurch, has been changed to a deadline sale.
- NZ Sotheby’s Rosa Carter says there has been overwhelming interest.
- The property, once a wedding venue, has attracted developers and locals due to its unique features.
Buyers who dream of owning a life-size ark have been thrown a lifeline.
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The incredible wooden “boat” on Loader Lane, in Sumner, Christchurch, was to be auctioned on Friday, but the listing agency has changed tactics and is now inviting buyers to submit offers by 12pm, April 10.
Rosa Carter, New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty’s managing director in Christchurch, told OneRoof they realised potential buyers needed more time.
Carter said there had been overwhelming interest in the property, which was created by the founders of Gethsemane Gardens, Christian couple Ken and Bev Loader, two decades ago.
Wedding ceremonies were held on the top deck in the purpose-built chapel. Photo / Supplied
The ark is built from wood and was the brainchild of Christian couple Ken and Bev Loader. Photo / Supplied
She said the agency had been working with several interested parties, but it became apparent they needed a bit more time, so the auction was cancelled and a new deadline was set.
Since OneRoof first profiled the listing last month, news of the ark went viral, with overseas media rushing to cover the unusual sale.
“It’s not very often that something interesting like this comes up,” Carter told OneRoof.
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She said there had been strong interest from Canterbury locals who either had a link to the property, when it was a popular function centre for christenings and weddings, or were just curious about a large ark for sale in the middle of a gated residential subdivision.
“There’s been a lot of interest from a nostalgic point of view ... but amongst that, there has been genuine interest,” she said.
The ark comprises a dance floor in the basement, a dining area on the ground floor, and a chapel, which looks out to Sumner Beach. Some creativity would be required since the property has been rezoned from business to residential.
The dance floor is in the basement and would likely be partitioned into rooms by the new owner. Photo / Supplied
A fresco depicting Noah’s Ark. The biblical tale inspired the creators of its Canterbury namesake. Photo / Getty Images
Carter told OneRoof: “It’s a left field type of property, and it has left people scratching their heads a bit. They are like, ‘Hey, awesome location – what can we do with it?’.”
The Loaders built the ark in the early 2000s and ran it as a wedding venue and function centre for around a decade.
After the Christchurch earthquakes, they sold the gardens and land to a developer, who transformed the land into Gethsemane Heights. The ark was left in its original location, with the site reduced down to 1251sqm.
Listing agent Rod Cross said the first open home for the ark had attracted about 100 people.
“I’ve had lots of suggestions for the various floors. Upstairs really suits a residential conversion because it’s got the views and the beautiful outlook. The middle floor could be more purposed for more household rooms or perhaps a garage at the side of the ark.”
There was potential to convert it into one large home with a work-from-home component or create several residences within the ark, he said.
- Lot 4/4 Loader Lane, Sumner, Christchurch, is for sale, deadline closing April 10
