By Roselyn Fauth with property owners Kelly Swerus and Forest Bohrer
This arts and crafts home at 32 Sefton Street Timaru was built in 1919 and designed by local architects Turnbull & Rule.
I’ve been on a deep dive into the Turnbull family’s history lately — tracing roots back to the 1860s — and somewhere along the way, I stumbled into a whole new fascination with architect James S. Turnbull and, later, his architectural practice partner Percy Watts Rule. Their commercial and domestic buildings are still shaping Timaru today, quietly anchoring our streets and neighbourhoods.
This is the first story in a new series called Show Us Your Turnbull, where we explore the homes people live in, love, and care for — and the architectural legacy that holds them together.
We begin with Kelly Sweerus and Forest Bohrer, custodians of a beautifully intact early 1900s home designed by Turnbull during his solo practice years. Several years before partnering with Percy Watts Rule, Turnbull designed this home for Mrs Florence Marriott, wife of local draper Herbert Marriott. It’s a house built with confidence, craft, and that particular Timaru sense of steady optimism.
Thank you, Kelly and Forrest, for letting us step inside...
Adrienne and Lucy Bohrer with the family dog Daisy 2025. - Photo Kelly Sweerus
Timaru in the Early 1900s
When the Marriott House was built 1919 Timaru was buzzing with activity. The harbour’s breakwaters had transformed the town into a key coastal port. Wool, grain, and frozen meat exports were thriving. Stafford Street bustled with handsome brick commercial buildings, including the drapery stores where men like Herbert Marriott made their living.
Families with steady incomes were moving into new suburbs above Caroline Bay, drawn to the promise of piped water, electricity, and houses designed for light, air, and family life. This was the period when James S. Turnbull came into his own, offering homes that were modern yet reassuring — solid brickwork, deep porches, crafted joinery, and a quiet confidence still visible today.
It was into this world that the Marriott family walked across their threshold for the first time.
View of the renovated dining and lounge rooms with reclaimed remu floors. Photography by Roselyn Fauth 2025.
Behind its low brick wall, the Marriott House still carries the grace of its original design: four covered porches, five bedrooms including a maid’s room, and a sturdy brick outbuilding for the laundry, scullery, and coal.
The north-facing lounge, wrapped in sunlight from the bay window, feels as warm today as it would have in 1910. Upstairs, the children’s bedrooms open into what was once an open-air verandah, now enclosed as a sun-filled playroom.
Stairs inside Kelly Swerus and Forest Bohrer's, James S Turnbull designed home. Photography by Roselyn Fauth 2025.
One of Kelly’s favourite details is the staircase leadlight window — bold, colourful, and almost modernist in its feel. “It must have looked incredibly contemporary at the time,” she says. “It still catches the light beautifully.”
Inside, the finishes are understated: rimu, clean lines, and a focus on proportion rather than ornament.
The house has lived a few lives. At one point it was divided into flats, and the living and dining room mouldings date from that era rather than Turnbull’s original design. The kitchen was updated too.
But remarkably, most of the home remains original:
doors, windows, brass hardware, fireplaces, the coal-burning stove, and the timber detailing that makes Arts and Crafts homes so tactile.
When borer was discovered in the first-floor boards, Kelly and Forrest worked with local tradespeople who salvaged old-growth rimu rafters from a demolished home near the Timaru Showgrounds. These were milled into thick new boards and laid over the originals. The result is warm, quiet, and almost seamless — a conversation between past and present.
And yes — the house is warm. Double brick construction, attic insulation, sympathetic window treatments to keep the single-glazed leadlights, and a modern diesel radiator system have made it cosy even on Timaru’s coldest nights.
Interior views are the floors were replaced with reclaimed remu. Photography by Roselyn Fauth 2025.
The Architects Behind the Legacy
James S. Turnbull (1864–1947) trained in Melbourne before returning home to Timaru, where he became known for churches, banks, halls, and refined domestic designs. He became a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 1905 and remains one of Timaru’s most significant early architects.
His later partner, Percy Watts Rule (1888–1953), began as a local apprentice before joining Turnbull’s office in 1907 and becoming a partner around 1919. Together, their firm shaped many of Timaru’s interwar buildings, including the Oxford Buildings on Stafford Street.
This particular home, however, carries Turnbull’s hand alone — an example of the refined, confident domestic architecture he produced before the partnership years.
Arts and Crafts in Timaru
The Arts and Crafts movement began in Britain as a pushback against mass production. It celebrated craft, honesty in materials, and beauty in everyday life.
Turnbull interpreted those ideas in a very New Zealand way: solid brickwork, deep eaves, generous porches, quality timber, and rooms oriented for sunlight and connection to the garden.
You can see it here — in the rimu joinery, the leadlight windows, and the perfectly balanced proportions.
The Marriott House is remarkably intact — a rare example of a Turnbull home that still holds its original layout, materials, and spirit.
In a town known for Turnbull’s commercial and civic work, this house shows what he created for families: comfort, sturdiness, and beauty folded quietly into everyday life.
A century later, it still works.
It’s sustainable. It’s warm. It’s loved.
That endurance says everything about the values that shaped the home.
Window details. Photography by Roselyn Fauth 2025.
Who is behind the grafiti in the cupboard? Photography Kelly Swerus 2025.
What This History Hunt Has Taught Me
Digging into the Turnbull family, the Marriotts, and Kelly and Forrest’s stewardship has reminded me that heritage is always about people. Buildings survive because generations choose to care for them.
It’s fun to share a pot of tea at Kelly’s table in front of the original fireplace and imagine all the conversations held there — the changing stories, fashions, and families moving through the decades. Arts and Crafts design that once felt modern is now heritage, yet still practical for family life more than 100 years on.
Mostly, this journey has shown me how heritage lives through people like Kelly and Forrest — custodians who don’t just own a home, but honour its spirit. Their quiet care reminds us all that keeping history alive is an act of love.
Show Us Your Turnbull continues soon — and if you live in one, or know one tucked quietly into your street, I’d love to hear from you.
Buliding Plans from the properties LIM report.
Side Quest: The Architect and the Apprentice Who Became a Master
Every town has its quiet partnerships, the sort where skills and stories pass gently from one generation to the next. In Timaru’s case, many of our most familiar buildings carry the fingerprints of two men whose lives briefly overlapped, yet whose legacies fit together like well-cut stone.
James S. Turnbull was born in Timaru in 1864, the son of Richard and Mary Turnbull, and spent his early years surrounded by the bustle of a growing port town. He trained first as a builder, learning the practical language of timber and tools, before heading to Christchurch to study architecture under R. W. England. A stint in Melbourne broadened his horizons, but Timaru called him home. By the mid 1890s he had set up his own practice here, and over the next fifty years he became one of South Canterbury’s architectural anchors.
James’ portfolio stretched from churches and commercial landmarks to gracious Edwardian homes that still catch the light on a late afternoon. He was an early Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, recognised for professional excellence, and later sat on the Institute’s Council. When he died in 1947 at the age of eighty-three, he was laid to rest beside his wife Katharine, the city he had shaped still rising quietly around him.
Into his office in 1907 walked a young Percy Watts Rule, just nineteen and fresh from his apprenticeship as a builder. Percy had grown up in Timaru, attending the Main School and Timaru Boys’ High, and he brought with him the same curiosity and work ethic that ran through so many local families of the time. He began as a junior, became Turnbull’s first assistant, and in 1919 the partnership was sealed: Turnbull & Rule.
Percy’s journey was shaped by the world’s storms as well as Timaru’s. He trained as a machine gunner during the First World War at Featherston Camp, returned to architecture, and eventually took over the practice in 1938. Like James, he was made a Fellow of the NZIA and later served as its national secretary. When Percy died in 1953 at sixty-four, he was buried in the Timaru Cemetery alongside his wife Kathleen, not far from many of the buildings that had grown from his draftsman’s pencil.
Together, without ever saying so, James Turnbull and Percy Rule built more than structures. They built continuity. Their shared legacy sits quietly across Timaru’s streets and skylines, reminding us that craft, in the end, is a lineage.
View over Timaru 1962.
Photographs of how the home used to look supplied by past owners
Photographs of how the home used to look supplied by past owners
Photographs of how the home used to look supplied by past owners
Turnbull & Rule signature on the building plans from LIM report
FATAL ACCIDENT Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19261, 15 August 1932, Page 6
DEATH OF MRS HERBERT MARRIOTT
An accident occurred in Theodocia Street about 6.20 last evening as a result of which Mrs H. Marriott, wife of Mr Herbert Marriott, draper, of Timaru, lost her life.
It is understood that Mrs Marriott was proceeding on her way to church, and was crossing Theodocia Street from the west to the east side, when a car, driven by Miss Aileen Hope Parker, residing at 81 Wai-iti Road, turned into Theodocia Street from Sefton Street. Mrs Marriott is stated to have hesitated, and then gone forward again, the car striking her, and throwing her to the ground.
Miss Parker, who was accompanied by her mother and sister, immediately pulled up, and medical aid was summoned, but the unfortunate lady was beyond assistance.
An inquest will be opened this afternoon.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD19320815.2.34
WOMAN KILLED
Knocked Down by Car on Way to Church
(Special to the “Star.”) TIMARU, August 14.
Mrs Florence Marriott, the wife of Mr Herbert Marriott, a well known draper in Timaru, was killed to day in a motor car accident. The fatality happened at 6.20 p.m. shortly after Mrs Marriott had left her home at 32 Sefton Street, to go to church. She was crossing Theodocia Street when she was struck by a Ford roadster driven by Miss Aileen Hope Parker, of 81 Wai iti Road. She was thrown heavily to the road and was killed instantly. An inquest will be held. Mrs Marriott was well known in social circles in Timaru. She is survived by her husband, son and daughter.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS19320815.2.164
LATE MR HERBERT MARRIOTT
The funeral took place at the Timaru Cemetery yesterday, of Mr Herbert Marriott, who died at his home, Sefton Street, on Wednesday night. After leaving the house, the cortege proceeded to the Bank Street Methodist Church, where a short but impressive service was conducted by the Rev. B. J. James. There was a large congregation present. The service opened with the singing of the hymn “Jesu Lover of My Soul”, followed by prayer and the reading of Psalm 90. The Minister expressed sympathy with the members of the family in their great loss, and paid a tribute to Mr Marriott’s sterling qualities of honesty and justice, and mentioned that the rigidity with which he held to these virtues sometimes caused him to be misunderstood. His passing would be a great loss to the Church, of which he was a trustee and a most devoted member. The service closed with the hymn “Abide With Me”. The assemblage at the graveside was a most representative one, and was eloquent testimony of the high esteem in which Mr Marriott was held.
The pall bearers were Messrs W. G. Marriott and G. Warrington of Christchurch, J. McLean, J. M. Jenkins, R. Warrington and G. O’Malley, of Timaru.
Wreaths were sent by the following: Jack, Joan and Diane; Alf, Edith, Effie; May, Will, Betty, Margaret, Milly; Nellie, Roland and Jack; Beatrice and George; May, Jack and Shirley; Holdgate families; Gliddon family and J. McLean; Una and Jerry; Marian and Will; Mrs C. Bowker; Eddie and Neil; Mr and Mrs Tubb and family; Mr R. J. McCallum and Alma; Mr and E. Lamborn; Mr and Mrs R. McAlister; Mr and Mrs B. Brown; Mr and Mrs A. C. Martin and family; Mrs Scales and family; Mr and Mrs Oed; Mrs and Miss Halstead; Mrs Arthur and Dorothy; J. Sutcliffe and P. McKivett; Mr and Mrs J. T. Hunt and family; Mr and Mrs H. Pateman; Mr and Mrs Provan; Timaru High School Old Boys’ Cricket Club; Timaru High School Old Boys’ Football Club; Mayor of Waimate (Mr G. Dash) and schoolmates; National Mutual Insurance Company; Millers Ltd.; Herbert’s Ltd and Staff; Bank Street Methodist Church; Directors and staff of John Jackson and Co., Ltd.; and Directors and staff of the Belford Mills.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD19391007.2.132
inquest report into the death of Mrs Herbert Marriott, Timaru Herald, 16 August 1932, page 6:
DEATH OF MRS H. MARRIOTT
An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs Herbert Marriott, who died as a result of injuries received when she was struck by a car in Theodocia Street on Sunday evening, was opened before the Coroner (Mr A. L. Gee) yesterday afternoon.
Counsel represented Mr H. Marriott and the insurance company.
Prior to the hearing of evidence, the Coroner said it was a sad case that fell to his lot to have to inquire into the circumstances attending the death of Mrs Marriott. He was sure that everybody in Timaru would deeply regret such an occurrence, and their sympathy would go out to Mr Marriott and the members of the family. He was sure Mrs Marriott’s death would be a great loss to Timaru, for she was respected and highly esteemed by everybody who knew her.
John Warrington Marriott, draper, gave evidence of identification, and said his mother was about 58 years of age. He left home with his mother, who was going to Bank Street Methodist Church, and parted from her at the corner of Grey Road and Sefton Street between 6.15 and 6.20. At her suggestion he went on ahead, as he was a member of the choir, and he had to be in church ahead of the congregation. He was called out of church to be told of his mother’s death. His mother was healthy, and possessed good hearing and good sight, and was not subject to fainting turns. His mother was a slow walker, and was careful crossing streets.
The hearing was adjourned sine die.
Widespread Sympathy
The death of Mrs Marriott under such tragic circumstances came as a shock to the many friends of the deceased and of the family, for Mrs Marriott’s kindly and endearing nature had won for her the greatest admiration and esteem, not only of her most intimate friends, but of all with whom she had at any time come in contact. A native of Glossop, England, the late Mrs Marriott came to New Zealand in 1904 and joined her uncle, the late Mr John Jackson, timber merchant, of Timaru. She was companion to Mrs Jackson, and prior to her marriage in 1904, travelled extensively within New Zealand, and also to Australia.
The late Mrs Marriott was of a retiring disposition, and devoted the greater part of her time to her home and her family. For many years, however, she had been a staunch member of the Bank Street Methodist Church, and in the various activities of the church organisations she had displayed the keenest interest, and was an untiring worker and member of the Church Guild. To the members of the staff of her husband’s business she had at all times extended the greatest consideration, and many had been grateful to her for acts of kindness.
To Mr Marriott, his son, John Warrington Marriott, and his daughter, Miss Irene Marriott, will be extended the deepest sympathy of the whole community. Messages of condolence have been received by the family from all parts of New Zealand, testifying to the widespread grief at the death of one of Nature’s gentlewomen. The surviving members of the late Mrs Marriott’s family are Mr J. Warrington (Timaru), Mr G. Warrington (Christchurch), and a sister, who is at present in England.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD19320816.2.43
Winifred Marriott, of unknown address, died on 8 February 1914 and was interred on 18 February 1914 in the General Section of the Timaru Cemetery, Row 32, Plot 126.
Herbert Marriott, aged 65, died on 4 October 1939 and was buried on 6 October in the General Section of the Timaru Cemetery, Row 32, Plot 126, with his address listed as unknown.
Irene Marriott, aged 87, died on 5 January 1996 and was interred on 19 March 1996 in the General Section of the Timaru Cemetery, Row 32, Plot 126, with arrangements made by Betts Funeral Services Limited.
Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21469, 6 October 1939, Page 5
MR HERBERT MARRIOTT
The death occurred at his residence, 32 Sefton Street, on Wednesday night of Mr Herbert Marriott, at the age of 65. Mr Marriott was born in Staffordshire, England, and came out to New Zealand with his parents in 1876, he then being but two years old. The parents settled in Waimate, and Mr Marriott received his education at the Waimate Primary and District High Schools. As a young man he entered the drapery establishment of Manchester Bros., in Waimate, and he followed this calling throughout his life. Mr Marriott later spent about a year in the employ of Strange’s, Christchurch, and then came to Timaru, securing a position with Mr W. Penrose, draper. After a period of years as an employee, Mr Marriott purchased the business from Mr Penrose, the shop then being located in Stafford Street next to Gabites premises. Success attended Mr Marriott’s business activities, and in 1921 he purchased larger premises adjoining the Old Bank Hotel in Stafford Street, and he remained there until he retired in 1933. Although a keen student of national and public affairs, Mr Marriott did not take an active part in the life of the community, devoting practically the whole of his time to his business, his home and his church. Mr Marriott was noted for his justness and fairness, and these qualities earned for him the highest esteem of employees and business associates. He was at one period president of the South Canterbury Employers’ Association, and for many years had been a director of John Jackson and Co., and the Belford Flour Mill. Sport did not claim Mr Marriott as a participant, but the Old Boys’ Football Club, which numbered Mr Marriott among its vice presidents, and the Old Boys’ Cricket Club had no more ardent supporter. By the death of Mr Marriott Bank Street Methodist Church has lost one of its most devoted members and workers. Mr Marriott was keenly interested in music, being a member of the Church choir for 30 years, and also a member for many years of the Timaru Orpheus Society, the choir of which at one time played a prominent part in the musical life of the community.
Mr Marriott married in 1904 Miss Florence Warrington who predeceased her husband six years ago. Mr J. W. Marriott, Palmerston North, and Miss Irene Marriott, Timaru, are the surviving members of the family, and to them will be extended the sympathy of a large circle of friends.
The funeral will leave the Bank Street Methodist Church this afternoon, after a short service which commences at 2 o’clock.
Kelly reached out to users on Facebook to see what people might know about the house:
Here is a Summary of Community Memories and Clues About the House
Many people recognised the house immediately and described it as a long-standing landmark that has changed very little over the past fifty to fifty-plus years. Several recalled walking past it as teenagers in the 1970s and remembering its distinctive frontage, colours, and large size compared to neighbouring homes.
A few suggestions were made about earlier uses of the house. Some recalled it being used by a chiropractor or possibly a doctor in the past. One person remembered that their parents visited a chiropractor there.
Owners and Residents
- Several commenters recalled specific families who lived in the house over different decades. Memories included:
- A time when the house was divided into two flats, with one family living downstairs and another person upstairs.
- Recollections of grandparents or family friends occupying the property.
- Mention that the house was owned for many years by a couple who only recently sold and moved on.
- Nearby residents remembering the house as a prominent home in the street.
Physical Features and Changes
People noted that:
- The house’s external appearance has remained largely the same, aside from changes in paint colour.
- The upstairs sunroom on one side may originally have been an open-air sleeping porch, which was later enclosed with windows.
- Older versions of the house had two separate front doors when it was arranged as two flats.
- A detailed recollection described the layout as it was in the mid-twentieth century, including rooms, the fireplace, hall arrangement, kitchen area, brick outbuildings, washhouse, and outdoor garden spaces.
Research Tips Given
- Commenters offered several avenues for finding historical details:
- Checking house plans for the original owner’s name or build date.
- Searching Papers Past for early references.
- Ordering an historical title copy.
- Asking at the council (with mixed reports about usefulness).
- Contacting the South Canterbury Museum, which some found more helpful.
- Looking for old postcard aerial views of the neighbourhood from the 1930s onwards.
The neighbourhood in 23-05-1938. Retrolens
