Kingsbury
Glasshouse
Project

AS SEEN ON GRAND DESIGNS NEW ZEALAND

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Tessa Kingsbury

Architect • Gardener • Sheep Enthusiast

Hi. I’m Tessa.

Recently, I built my dream ‘forever’ home out of a leaky old Sunday School Hall in Dunedin (New Zealand) and this awesome show called Grand Designs decided to buckle up and join me for the journey…

This website is where I will share that amazing journey, reveal some history, show you what was involved and keep you updated with the glasshouse development and other gloriously green details.

Join me and big boy Rex on this journey.

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Supreme Award – Winner 2024

“… the judges were in agreement that this project stood out above the others. What identifies a Supreme Winner is a sense of surprise, a shock that a problem, perhaps not an unusual one, can have been so skilfully solved in a way that might not have been expected and yet is completely convincing. 2024’s Supreme Winner, the Kingsbury Glasshouse Project, achieves all this – and more.”

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Sweet, sweet Buddy…

Buddy was born on September 5th 2022 and had a rough start to life after being rejected by his mother. He was lucky to find himself on Tessa’s doorstep and after 2 days of ’round the clock care – he rallied and they were inseparable inseparable until his sudden and tragic death in February 2025.

MORE ABOUT BUDDY

The Glasshouse

 

The glasshouse occupies the area between the one-bedroom residence (on the former stage) and the loft style guest studio (at the original entrance) and takes the lion’s share of the building footprint.

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The Flora

The glasshouse is the main element of this design ‘dish’ and invites gorgeous sunlight into the residence end which opens directly off of it. While it is expected to morph over time as the main trees establish… it will always remain Tessa’s favourite playground.

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   Ooooh – check out what they’re saying…

* Twice! 

“Buddy the Sheep Fan of the Back Seat”

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“Photos of the Year!”

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“Buddy the Grand Designs Sheep Still Turns Heads”

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* Twice! 

“Grand Designs NZ: Ambitious glasshouse build…”

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“Grand Designs NZ: We rank this year’s projects.”

(Spoiler alert – we’re number 1… EEEEE!!)

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“Dunedin Hospital architect’s glasshouse home features on Grand Designs NZ”

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“The Kingsbury Glasshouse Project”

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"Best Airbnb we’ve been to yet. The place is beautiful and each detail was very thoughtfully put together. The vibes are impeccable and we barely wanted to explore Dunedin because the space was so relaxing and cozy. Tessa was a fantastic host as well. She made sure we were set for our stay and checked in a few times through our trip, providing tips, recommendations, and a few snacks. She is also genuinely friendly, funny, and pleasant to talk to. We could have talked to her a lot more as well, lol. We would rate more than 5 stars if we could and would happily stay here again but maybe for a bit longer next time."

Daniel • Albuquerque, New Mexico

"Tessa's architectural gift is on full display with what she's done with The Glasshouse... and her work ethic, determination and sheer grit made this gorgeous building a reality. I can't wait to see it in a few years, when the trees and gardens have matured! Also – BUDDY!! Can he be any cuter?!"

Pepper • Nashville, Tennessee

"Staying in an architectural masterpiece with the architect was an amazing experience. The place was perfect down to a tee in terms of accommodation standards. Meeting Tessa was an honour – delightful person. Buddy is adorable. Well situated in terms of getting around. Can’t say enough good things about it!!"

Tara • Sydney, Australia

"A unique and memorable stay in the Kingsbury Glass House! The space is beyond gorgeous and Tessa was a stellar host. Comfy bed and lots of little extra touches to add to the space (like honey from the on-site hive) and a cupboard stocked with tea. We’ll be back!"

Sheila • Portland, Oregon

"Tessa's space is STUNNING! You can feel the love and careful thought that has gone into the creation of it. All the little touches from the fresh flowers to the honey from Queen Victoria to the 'crocs' for use while taking in the gloriousness of the greenspace all added to the thoughtful gestures. Tessa is a great host and truly cares for her guests experiences. Tessa recommended the local Cafe Buster Greens which had AMAZING coffee and delicious breakfasts. It was a short stay but a magnificently sweet one! Thank you, Tessa for hosting us ❤️ xx"

Melissa • Airbnb

"We had a wonderful stay at Tessa’s place! The glasshouse is absolutely beautiful and every detail of the rental unit has been so thoughtfully considered. It is a lovely and comfortable space. We slept really well in the comfortable beds, and appreciated details like the gas cooktop and excellent water pressure in the shower. Tessa was very hospitable and generous, going above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed and then some. I really enjoyed visiting with her, her mother, and her friends who were visiting one evening. We also loved exploring the area and found this location to be a very convenient home base. Would highly recommend and would absolutely stay again if we were ever in the area!"

Kate • South Portland, Maine

"You can read all the other reviews about how cool the Glasshouse is and how awesome Tessa is…but they all understate how amazing they really are. The idea that this 75 year old church school building was re-imagined as a house and glasshouse (greenhouse to US folks) is such an inspired creation. The place is simply a destination worth seeing even beyond staying there. But spending time with Tessa was even more special. She was so helpful, so engaging, and just the most fun to share time with. We will be back to see this place again, but just as much to visit with Tessa. Oh yeah, almost forgot, Dunedin also was cool!"

John Mark • United States

"Don’t pass up the opportunity to stay in this gorgeous space. High quality, beautiful detailing within an historical building that has been modernised by a unique and special design. Tessa is a truly delightful host - welcoming, a great sense of humour and very genuine. One night really wasn’t enough to truly enjoy the environment created but it was still a wonderful stay. Thank you. Loved it so much!"

Wendy • Airbnb

"Our stay in Tessa’s place was my favorite stayed experience I had on airbnb. Staying in this charming place did make our experience in Dunedin just special and so lovely. I would always remember these few days in Dunedin. The place is so bright, unique and the history behind it just so cool. On top of all that, we loved meeting Tessa. Such a inspiring person. Thank you SO much!"

Laura • Airbnb

COME SPEND A NIGHT OR TWO!
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COME SPEND A NIGHT OR TWO!

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