Beaufort House - Latimer Square, Christchurch CBD, New Zealand. History

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Beaufort House - 2 Latimer Square

No. 2 Latimer Square , Christchurch was designed in 1916 by the architectural firm of Clarkson & Ballantyne for Dr Alfred Charles Sandston (1876-1941), a noted Surgeon and City Councillor, who as a student and practitioner had an outstanding medical career.

Dr Sandston was the fourth son of Marcus Sandstein (A C Sandston changed the spelling of his surname during World War I) a diamond setter who immigrated from Austria to Australia in 1875. He later settled in New Zealand and established himself as a watchmaker and jeweller in Cashel Street and led an active life in local affairs, a role his son Dr A C Sandstein was to follow.

Educated at Christchurch Boys High School , Alfred Sandston undertook his medical training at the University of Edinburgh , where in graduated in 1898. Winning several scholarships, twelve medals and five first class prizes, he proceeded in 1900 to take the M.D. Degree and Diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh . He received a gold medal for his thesis and also won the Syme Surgical Fellowship.

After practicing for a short time in Scotland , Dr Sandston returned to Christchurch in 1904 with his wife Flora Jean, stepson Allan and daughter Dorothy. He acted as Honorary Surgeon to the Christchurch Hospital for over 20 years, was an active member of the British Medical Association and a founder member of St Georges Hospital in Papanui Road , later as Chairman of the hospital. Dr Sandston was a City Councillor and died after a short illness in 1941, a civic funeral held across the road at St John's Church Latimer Square .

No. 2 Latimer Square was built as consulting rooms and a residence for Dr Sandston and his family. The house essentially designed in the Arts & Craft style, featuring a blend of Gothic conventions with distinctive Gothic arches and a castellated parapet above the front door. Essentially build of clinker brick the decorative elements have been emphasized by Banks Peninsula volcanic stone. The small grey stones in a decorative patterning set in irregular shaped areas are believed to have originated from the River Jordan.

Despite a number of changes over the years No. 2 Latimer Square remains in near original condition, however the splendor of the house today is due to the careful restoration and conservation undertaken by past and current owners.

In the late 1970's the life of the house changed as it entered the hospitality trade firstly as 'La Dolce Vita' an Italian Restaurant, then in 1997 a transformation to 'Dorothy's Boutique Hotel & Restaurant' a successful business that made the corner site on Latimer Square known as 'Dorothy's a well known landmark.

The new owners (2009) Sharon Rees-Thomas and Noel McGuigan have owned and operated Tiffanys Restaurant, a fine dining establishment for 6 years also a heritage building, at 95 Oxford Terrace. They have always enjoyed heritage buildings and have a strong interest in antiques. When Sharon and Noel drove by and saw the 'For Sale' sign on this wonderful old building they decided it would be perfect for an elegant boutique Hotel.

After 5 months of refurbishment they can honestly say it has been a labour of love and have fully restored the house to its classic Edwardian elegance. No.2 Latimer Square has been re-named 'Beaufort House' meaning 'beautiful and strong' - being one of the last remaining houses in Latimer Square it has stood the test of time