End of an era for historic surfer flat

Just metres away from the beach, Dogtown has been home to a community of surfers who have found solace in its weathered walls and proximity to the ocean for decades.  

Charlie Brown, 30, has called Dogtown home for almost four years. 

Like many others, he was initially drawn to Sumner by the ocean. He has swum daily for over five years, and with the end of Dogtown, it will likely be the end of that ritual too.  

"[The ocean] has always been a massive part of my life,” Charlie says. 

“What also drew me to Sumner was the community.”  

When he first moved in, there were several other flats scattered along the Esplanade, each one home to likeminded people. 

"Even just in the four years I've been here they are just slowly getting knocked down or taken over and done up, taken off the flatting market.’’  

Dogtown and its next door neighbour, both owned by the same landlord, are the last two.  

While it was originally understood that both places would be demolished in June, the neighboring house is now staying, as it meets the healthy homes standards required. 

Dogtown on the other hand, does not. 

‘‘If it rains, it literally rains inside...we have had a leaky roof the entire time I've lived here,” Charlie says.  

In wet weather, the solution has been to hang tarps. There used to be a hot water cylinder in the roof too, solely balancing on odd bits of wood.  

‘‘This place hasn’t adhered to healthy home standards by any stretch, but [the landlord’s] argument is that he’s maintained the same lease since 2017... so he hasn’t legally had to have met healthy home regulations.” 

The landlord has been approached for comment. 

As of July this year, all homes must meet healthy homes standards, according to Tenancy Services.  

‘It’s sad to see, it’s historic, you can imagine the people who first built this house, it would have been their absolute pride... it’s just been neglected, hasn’t had money spent on it in forever.''  

Despite the flat's run-down condition and reputation, Dogtown never has had a noise complaint, and the community is sad to see it go. The demolition was announced on Sumner community’s Facebook page. Commenters shared memories and expressed their concerns about upmarket developments in Sumner. 

Sara Templeton, councillor for Heathcote Ward, does not share these same concerns. 

"The current place there doesn’t really contribute towards the character of Sumner.” 

However, she does encourage the developers to be more transparent with their plans, to give the community reassurance. 

While some believe Dogtown’s demolition won’t affect the character of Sumner, it has made a lasting impact on the community. 

The neighbouring house announced on Facebook they are creating a book with a collection of memories and photos of the two flats.