Unique Christchurch video home up for sale

The former home of a well-known Christchurch identity, businessman and movie buff is now on the market for the first time.

Located at 13 Cirrus Lane, Redcliffs, the home is built into volcanic rock and has a private basement theatrette complete with velvet curtains, large screen, projector and surround sound.

The home was built and owned by the late Paul Stewart, the founder of iconic video rental business and cinema Alice in Videoland.

Paul’s son Jeremy Stewart says the home has been a special place for the Stewart family, but now is the time to sell it.

“Dad built the home in 2004, and he was very meticulous about making the house a part of the hill and blending it into the volcanic rock that it is built on,” he says. “It was his dream property – he worked with architect Stewart Ross to create a large home that’s perfect for entertaining family and friends.”

Split over three levels, the home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living spaces and a standout ‘crow’s nest’ office, which features views of Pegasus Bay. With cinema décor reminiscent of years gone by, the theatrette was a room Paul spent a lot of time in.

Alice in Videoland launched as a VHS rental service in 1985 and ended up with one of the largest DVD collections in the world, with 80,000 members. Paul passed away in 2021, and today Alice in Videoland operates as a boutique cinema.

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty sales agent Rod Cross says the home tells a story within the interior and theatrette, and its exterior merges with the surrounding environment.

“The home is Paul’s creative legacy, and it shows through every detail,” he says. “Paul spent a lot of time researching the site, the nuances of organic architecture and working around the bedrock, with minimal disturbance to the hill’s natural contours.

“The volcanic rock garden is a sculptural, low-maintenance retreat with winding stone paths, hardy succulents and a tranquil fishpond. It’s a beautiful place to escape the city.”

Jeremy says he hopes the property will be purchased by a family who can enjoy the unconventional layout of the home.

“With multiple levels and multiple rooms, no one is getting in anyone’s way,” he says. “It’s a wonderful home for young families or older couples wanting space for adult children to return home to.”

The property will be sold via auction on Wednesday, July 9, at the NZSIR Canterbury office.