3 minute read
WELLINGTON
Saved from an uncertain future in the late 1970s, and a rarity amongst the high rises of the bustling city, this grand old residence is an oasis of green in our capital city.
WORDS: Adrienne Hannan
Antrim House, 1911. Credit: Alexander Turnbull Library
Once a home, hotel and hostel, central-Wellington's Antrim House is nowadays the home of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Having housed and been cared for by its staff for more than 40 years, Antrim House now needs your support to ensure it continues to hold its place of significance for decades to come.
Built with a once stunning view of Wellington’s harbour, Antrim House harks back to a time when this was a predominantly residential central city street. Prior to its construction in 1905, Boulcott Street was the path of the Waikoukou Stream, flowing into a pool where birds gathered to feed and become kai (food) for the locals.
Wealthy businessman Robert Hannah, founder of R Hannah & Co. Ltd – now well-known shoe retailer Hannahs – and his wife Hannah, commissioned the lavish home to be designed by well-known architects Thomas Turnbull & Son in the Italianate style, which was popular at the time.
Featuring beautiful kauri panelling throughout, bespoke stained-glass windows, a sweeping staircase and ornate ceilings, an occasion at Antrim House was a highlight of the Wellington social calendar.
Since Robert’s death in 1930, Antrim House has been home to many – a private hotel, a public service hostel for young men who came from Māori, Pākehā and Pacific communities and, following a restoration in 1981, as a working office for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. It has had its share of drama; in 1940 a disastrous fire threatened the whole building, but following quick action only the top floor was majorly affected. This floor was rebuilt in the art deco style of the time, which visitors can view along with the original Edwardian features of the ground floor. “Today, in honour of its first 117 years as part of the Wellington business and social scene, we will be embarking on conservation work to ensure Antrim House has greater protection, resilience and functionality to secure it as a treasured feature in Aotearoa New Zealand’s heritage landscape long into the future,” says Central Region Heritage Assets Manager Tamsin Falconer. “In October 2022 we will start of a six-month project to re-roof, to further strengthen chimneys and the house, improve fire protection, re-paint the exterior to endure Wellington’s famous weather, and give it a more welcoming residential feel for visitors,” she says. “We decided it would be most efficient to complete this as a two-phase project. This is the first phase. The second phase, to be completed in the near future, will be more discreet and focus on further structural strengthening to the interior of the house. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga was fortunate to receive partial funding through a Lottery Grant, a significant bequest, and a donation in support of the conservation project,” says Tamsin.
Brendon Veale, Manager Supporter Development, urges heritage enthusiasts to support the important conservation work. “We know that Antrim House is a much-loved destination in Wellington, and there is great interest in seeing this national treasure restored,” he says. “For Antrim House to continue to delight visitors and tell its story for generations to come, we require a last funding push to enable the works.”
“With the project starting soon, we urge our members and supporters to consider making a donation and become part of the ongoing story of the building,” he says. “Keep an eye out for a pack in the mail inviting you to contribute to this project.” n
If you are not a Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Member, and you are interested in supporting this cause, please contact the team on 0800 802 010 or visit https://bit.ly/AntrimHouse to find out more.
