The 50m-high tree was not only one of the first planted at Glenfalloch, but was probably one of the first trees planted on the Otago Peninsula, and Warren Cullen thinks it will be perfect for building his new home.
Mr Cullen approached Glenfalloch after he saw a report of the toppled tree in the Otago Daily Times.
He had plans for an eco-home and yoga centre at Shiel Hill and was looking for timber to build them.
"It just fell together," he said.
Eco Tree Care manager Sean Hancock said he had been working on the tree's removal since Monday and a group of Otago Polytechnic arborists was helping with the labour.
"It's not often you get to work on a big, old tree like this. It's sad, but we are trying to recycle everything we can," he said.
Pieces which could not be milled for Mr Cullen would be chipped or used as firewood. He expected the job would be completed by the end of the week.
A 1000-year-old matai which split during the same high winds is still standing.
