- John and Rachael Tennent are selling their converted school home after 25 years.
- The property features a six-bedroom home and an Airbnb, previously Taylorville School.
- The Tennents hosted numerous events, including eight weddings and a funeral, at the property.
A South Island couple are selling the school that has housed their large, blended family over the past 25 years.
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When John and Rachael Tennent got together, they needed to find a home that was big enough for them and their six children.
Rachael told OneRoof that the family couldn't find anything that suited their needs. "I couldn't imagine what we would end up with," she said.
Luckily, a friend had spotted something on the market that was big enough - the old Taylorville School, near Greymouth. "So, we came up and had a look and decided this would be perfect."
The owners have made upgrades over the years, including putting in a new kitchen with a stone benchtop. Photo / Supplied
The home boasts eight bedrooms and four bathrooms spread over two wings. Photo / Supplied
The previous owner bought the 1950s school from the ministry when it closed in 1997 and turned it into a basic family home.
The Tennents bought it off him for just over $80,000 and took the conversion to the next level.
"When we first came here, there was one light switch for four bedrooms. So, we would get everyone into bed and then turn the light off."
The couple turned one end of the school building into a six-bedroom, two-bathroom residence, and created a separate two-bedroom unit at the other end to run as an Airbnb. All the bedrooms now have their own light switches.
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The Tennents also built a large four-car garage and installed central heating, an HRV system, and ceiling and floor insulation.
The only tell-tale sign that the home was once a school for up to 30 kids is a blackboard in the Airbnb, which guests love. “I get all sorts of lovely messages,” Rachael said.
The former school dental clinic has been converted into a self-contained cottage and is currently occupied by a beauty therapy business run by the couple's daughter.
Guests love leaving messages on the original school blackboard in the Airbnb. Photo / Supplied
The old dental clinic has been transformed into a cute one-bedroom cottage. Photo / Supplied
The school swimming pool is now a glasshouse, but the changing sheds are still in use, with the original toilets and the hot and cold shower.
The extra bathroom facilities have come in handy for parties and family celebrations. “It’s great for functions. We’ve had eight weddings and a funeral here,” Rachel told OneRoof.
Former students, teachers , and principals would turn up in the summer holidays to find out what had happened to their old school. "I would say for 10 years at least, every summer holidays, you could guarantee. We would just let them wander around the ground and have a look at what we were doing."
Rachael said it had been a fantastic place to live , and the decision to sell had not been an easy one.
“When we first thought we needed to downsize it was a struggle for all of us, even the children and the grandchildren, to think that we were going to leave here. But it’s just a necessity; it’s all been outgrown. It’s too much for the two of us rattling around here.”
Now nearing their 70s, the couple are keen to move to a smaller property and travel.
OneAgency listing agent Nicole Pamment told OneRoof that big properties like 717 Taylorville Road were a rarity in her patch.
"It's got a lot on offer and a lot of different avenues you could take," she said, adding that she had received a lot of interest from out-of-towners including especially Aucklanders, who saw the West Coast as good value.
"I believe it's because the coast is still affordable. For $300,000, you can still pick up a really good investment property in good condition. I think that's why we are seeing people from all around New Zealand coming to the coast is because of the affordability and the lifestyle is amazing as well."
- 717 Taylorville Road, in Taylorville, Greymouth, is inviting buyer enquiry over $849,000
