Handle With Care

The Grange in Motueka is no ordinary house. Built in 1850, it's nearly 175 years old and has been a cherished part of Martin Whittaker’s family for 47 of those years. As a Category 2 historic place, the home is a beautiful piece of local history, standing tall and proud with its rich heritage and original Colonial Georgian style architecture.

Martin, now in his mid-80s, raised his five children at The Grange with his late wife. Over recent years, the home has been enjoyed by visitors to the region as a holiday home and is now being rented to loving tenants who appreciate its historic charm and spacious layout.

A challenge to heat

Spanning 330 square metres over two levels, keeping this large, old house warm has always been a challenge. The thick walls, while beautiful and sturdy, make it tough to heat, especially during winter. Martin was particularly worried about his tenants' comfort and the future preservation of the property.

With that in mind, he decided it was wise to invest in having The Grange properly insulated. “As a landlord, your tenants should be as comfortable as they possibly can,” he said. “And of course, it’s also an investment for the future.”

Having researched various insulation options, Martin quickly decided on using Insulmax^® thanks to its quick and easy installation process.

“Insulmax^® was just what we needed,” he says. “With no need to remove any wall linings or undertake any major work, it was the perfect option for such a special home.”

Council hassles sorted

Martin had a chat with the team at Insulmax^® Canterbury & Marlborough and found owners Jenny and Cameron to be extremely helpful. “They were absolutely wonderful to deal with,” he said. “They sorted all the paperwork and dealt with the council to arrange the required permit – which can be tricky, so it was a relief to have them manage that side of things.”

Martin explains that the installation process went smoothly, thanks to the efficient and friendly Insulmax^® team. The team’s persistence and professionalism left a lasting impression on him. “The council threw in a few obstacles, but they didn’t give up and made sure everything was done correctly. “It was important that it was done properly, and they did it exceptionally well,” says Martin. “I really can’t speak highly enough of them.”

Looking to the future

Martin says the investment in Insulmax^® not only improves the current comfort of the home but also preserves its integrity for the future. He expects his daughter will buy the property someday, keeping it in the family for generations to come.

“It’s great knowing we’ve made the house warmer and more comfortable, and it’s also protected for the long term,” says Martin.

With its rich history and now improved insulation, The Grange continues to stand as a proud testament to 175 years of dedication and care. Thanks to Insulmax^®, this historic gem in Motueka is warmer, more comfortable, and better protected for the future.