We were on our way up to explore Hamilton, when we came across a little brown sign saying 'Historic Homestead'. Because it was coffee time, we stopped, drove up the long gravel path, and discovered a hidden treasure! Almost "national trusty!"
It seems that, in 1864 the Crown confiscated a tract of land, and 98,000 acres of that land were bought by the Piako Swamp Company, who drained it..
By 1902 there were herds of cows and sheep and most of the land had been converted to pasture...
The land was subdivided (no-one would buy the lot for $1 an acre) and sold off...
The Homestead was built..
After WW1 it was sub-divided between the sons of the owning family..
During the Depression it became a Relief Camp for suffering families..
I like the fact that in 1941 300 Army horses were sent there to recuperate..In 1976 the property was bequeathed to the Presbyterian Church..
In 1988 15 acres were made into a 'historic site' and this is the Homestead that we visited..
The house itself is built out of kauri wood and no-one knows who the architect is..
It has a waterwheel and is a rare surviving homestead of that era - you have to remember that 125 years is HUGE here!
It's the closest to a National Trust property that we have discovered here - so we thoroughly enjoyed our visit!
The gardens had little Monet style bridges and hedged walkways, there was even a lake.
The rooms had Victorian era furniture in and the dining room was all set out for tea. There was a musty cellar and croquet lawn - must remember to bring the girls here for a picnic in the summer! Have to find a croquet set though, and dress up as Alice!
The chamber pot was a nice touch; we're talking history here!
They do weddings and parties here, it's a beautiful backdrop..scones and tea in the gardens afterwards! lots of climbing roses and manicured lawns.. then we drove on to Hamilton to explore.
No comments:
Post a Comment