THE HISTORY OF UTRV
The distinctive landmark building in the heart of Linwood
The history of our property is a rich yet sketchy one. The house was moved from the corner of Gloucester and Colombo Streets in two halves, to the current site on rollers. In recent years one side of the house was badly fire damaged prior to it's restoration. What we do know is that the buidling has housed a number of different businesses over the years including a dairy, bakery and butchery, with a black smith and stables in the back yard.
Today the building is home to Under the Red Verandah Cafe as well as a number of local businesses operating from upstairs offices.
Under the Red Verandah Cafe has been running for 12 years, originally set up by Glyn Abbott and Roger Hickin. After a long restoration project and many hurdles the cafe opened in September 1997. Glyn and Rodger were awarded a Heritage Award for the restoration of the building. Glyn is a highly regarded artisan baker and Rodger an acclaimed artist, with their combined talents they created a wonderful award winning cafe.
Mandy Heasley took over as the current owner in April 2005. She is a trained chef and baker, and has a huge wealth of knowledge and experience in cafe ownership and management. Before taking over the cafe 4 years ago she set up and ran a number of successful cafe's in Christchurch including the Globe Cafe and Cafe Mondo both on High St, and The Powerhouse in Hanmer Springs - one of the few cafes in NZ with a mention in The Lonely Planet. Under The Red Verandah has her sole focus, and she is continuing the properties restoration, with the next project being the Old Brick Smithy on Tancred St to the rear of the cafe.
We are gathering stories from people who have lived in or visited this beautiful old house over it's years, so if you lived here or know some of it's rich history we'd love to hear from you.
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