Heritage & Significance

Tiptree Cottage, built around 1862, is one of Canterbury’s oldest and most intact cob cottages. Recognised as a Category I heritage building by Heritage New Zealand, it is a rare example of pioneering architecture and a living link to colonial New Zealand.

The cottage reflects the resilience of its early owners—Eliza Savill famously fought for four years to secure ownership after her husband’s death. In 1963, the Gregg family restored Tiptree Cottage and converted it into a museum, preserving its historic artefacts for future generations.

Today, Tiptree Cottage and its grounds continue to be cared for by the Tiptree Cottage Trust, whose Trustees are a mix of Savill and Gregg family members, ensuring this nationally significant site remains a place for the community to connect with history.

The Savill Family

William Savill and his family were among Canterbury’s early settlers, bringing with them knowledge, skills, and traditions from Essex, England—reflected in the cottage’s design and name.

After William’s death, his wife Eliza Savill showed extraordinary determination by returning to England to fight for legal ownership of the property. After four years, she succeeded in purchasing the cottage for £330, securing her family’s future.

The Savill family’s long connection to Tiptree Cottage remains an important part of its story, with descendants still involved in its care today.

The Gregg Family

In 1963, the Gregg family purchased Tiptree Cottage at a time when it was close to ruin. Through dedication, hard work, and regular working bees, they restored the building and transformed it into a house museum.