Ian and Sue Rogers bought the abandoned Quarry Hill school on Tokanui’s outskirts in 2017 and began clearing the site. The 1958‑built structure, closed in 1993, was transformed into a modern home over three years, with renovations costing about NZ$250,000.
The 1958 building was stripped down to its frame, and a 9.6‑metre beam was installed to support a rear wall and a small extension. Working with Invercargill builder Craig Brown, the Rogers replaced insulation, retrofitted double‑glazing, and reused original materials wherever possible. They said the structure was about 90‑95 % sound before the work began.
Sue, a school principal, wanted the house to retain its past. She chose a bold, quirky colour palette and kept original details such as the giant chalkboard above the bed and the cubby holes that once held students’ bags. The former swimming pool was converted into a beach‑themed chalet, offering short‑term accommodation.
The property is now listed for enquiries over NZ$595,000 through JJ Morgan at Bayleys. The Rogers are ready for their next project and have already decided they will not take on another old‑school conversion.
Neighbors on the edge of Tokanui have praised the transformation, saying the building now serves as a landmark in the town’s quiet suburb.