Skerrett Boat Shed

Built in 1909 for Lowry Bay settlers Robert Turnbull and Sir Charles Skerrett, this little shed has never had permission to be, yet has become the longest surviving boatshed on Wellington Harbour.
Skerrett was a notable barrister and later became New Zealand's Chief Justice. Turnbull held many posts and was brother of Alexander Turnbull of the Turnbull library. The privileged pair thumbed their noses at authority in constructing it and failing to remove it when ordered to, the little unlined timber shed taking on a life of it's own, it's charm possibly the main obstacle to it's removal.
Some argue the boat shed's attractiveness lies in it's 'Edwardian simplicity', others say it is the way that the light falls on it at certain times of the day or year. For some it is an emotional landmark for residents of, and visitors to, the Eastbourne and Bays area. Ironically the shed is now in the ownership of the Hutt City Council, which not only pays for its upkeep but celebrated its centenary. Even the Heritage List has registered an interest.
The subject of many a painting in oil, acrylic and watercolour, centre or side of many a moody or cheery photograph of part or all of the ever-changing harbour, the Skerrett shed seems destined to last another century. The only threat posed might be the rising tide, combined with rising sea levels, which upon a southerly often throws waves right across this formerly calm beach, the roadway and directly at the Skerrett Shed.