Timeless Stonework in the Far North: An Oamaru Stone Masterpiece

Set along the peaceful banks of the Waitangi River near Paihia stands a striking home built almost entirely from Oamaru Stone, a rare sight in the Far North, and a powerful example of how this iconic limestone continues to inspire.

For homeowner Trevor Woolston, there was no question about what material to use.

I’ve always loved the limestone buildings in Oamaru, which still look as magnificent today as when they were built well over 100 years ago. Oamaru Stone really stands the test of time.

Trevor’s journey began with a 1400km trip south to the Oamaru Stone quarry, where he and his wife, along with their builder, explored the different stone finishes and visited several local homes for inspiration. They also met with stonemason Ian Gold who is widely regarded as one of the country’s most experienced craftsmen in limestone construction.

Once the build was underway, it became clear that working with limestone required specialised expertise. Local bricklayers weren’t familiar with the material, so Ian and his crew flew north for a three-week intensive project. Their tools and carefully selected Oamaru Stone blocks made the journey by truck.

Ian and his boys worked without stopping for three weeks. It was amazing. And Ian also took the time to teach a local brickie the secrets of Oamaru Stone, so he can do any maintenance work needed.

The result is a beautifully crafted home where even the pool fascia mirrors the dimensions of the main structure, creating a seamless aesthetic. Though built from traditional materials, the house features cutting-edge technology, with full automation controlled from Trevor’s phone. One interesting challenge? The stone’s natural density was so effective it disrupted the wireless signal, prompting the need for signal boosters on both sides of the home.