Located high on the Cashmere Hills with unsurpassed views over Christchurch City, the Southern Alps across to the East Coast of the South Island, Sign of the Takahe is a building of national significance.
The first stone was laid in 1918. A labour of love and commitment to the idealistic genius of Harry Ell. Across both World Wars and the great depression, building supplies were sourced from outer lying Hurunui river - an old and soon to be demolished bridge from which the high beams in the main dining area were fashioned. Using crude tools, fashioned from equally accessible materials the stone used from foundation to turret was carted from a stone quarry in the Hilmorton area.
Craftsmen whose skill still impresses many a visitor to this day with its original glory can be admired throughout the Castle. From archway to art. Adorning the walls, windows, all telling their own story of heraldry and the Free Mason era. Family crests and shields line the walls, the history of which speaking of some earlier families to Christchurch, and some of the offered payment to the continued dedication of the men who found work through Harry Ell's continued employment in his belief that the Summit Rd should be forever preserved for the people of Canterbury to enjoy.
Also attributed to Harry Ell, the entire summit road the Sign of the Kiwi, Sign of the Packhorse and Sign of the Bellbird. Which was for a short time, the private residence of Harry and his wife.
For some years, the Takahe was introduced to the public as a tea rooms in an effort to recoup some funds and complete the building, however before acheiving this, Harry passed away. Following an extraordinary string of events, the building didn’t open until 1949 two years after the Christchurch City Council took control.
The historically listed jewel in Harry Ell's crown seen today is built from the idea of a complete visionary - coming together from entirely different achitectural styles. The northwest façade, which overlooks the Canterbury Plains, is reminiscent of a gothic style English Manor House of the 14th century while the southwest corner features a 17th century style baroque three story crenellated tower. The eastern aspect is in the style of a Dickensian Inn from the late 18th century England.
Sign of the Takahe is still currently leased from Christchurch City Council and is one of Christchurch's most reknowned Wedding venues, function centres, and a la carte dining.
In operation all year round, the gardens can be enjoyed during the Summer months with music on the lawn, and dining day and evening. And in Winter, come in out of the cold to one of four open fires. And Cashmere's 'local' South of Hackthorne bar, which proudly boasts the recently uncovered signatures of the original stone masons who we thank for their commitment to a project that spanned almost 40 years.
The staff and management look forward to welcoming you to their unique working environment.
The Historic Sign of the Takahe
The Sign of the Takahe is an historic building of national importance. It was planned by Harry (H.G.) Ell as the major building of a series of staging points along an unbroken route to the Akaroa Summit.