Homewood

Homewood residence, British High Commissioner’s house

50 Homewood Avenue, Karori, Wellington
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Image: A Dangerfield NZHPT (2012)
Image: A Dangerfield NZHPT (2012)
‘Wedding at Homewood’, Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 16, 20 January 1938, Page 11.
Wedding at Homewood’, Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 16, 20 January 1938, Page 11
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  • Constructed

    1847 - 1903

  • Architect(s)

    Henry Chapman / Joshua Charlesworth

  • Builder(s)

  • Homewood is a fine example of a 19th century cottage that was adapted in the early 20th century to form a large “gentleman’s” residence for its wealthy upper-middleclass owners. It is notable as an outstanding example of Edwardian extravagance, and for its grand proportions, its tranquil garden setting, and the quality of its design, materials and workmanship. 

    Homewood is closely associated with the development of Wellington and particularly Karori as a suburb. It has been associated with a succession of leading figures in the legal, political, commercial, social, and diplomatic life of Wellington and New Zealand. 

    There is technical value in the 1847 portion of the house, which is believed to be one of the oldest surviving examples of domestic architecture in Wellington. The unity that is expressed by this house despite being an amalgam of different additions and alterations is a testament to the skill of the builder and the architect. 


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  • close History

    • The house known today as Homewood is one made up of a number of additions and alterations since the original cottage of 1847. It is an excellent example of nineteenth century extravagance and is unique in detail, design, style, and setting.

      The first building to be constructed on the site was a wooden cottage for Henry Chapman, who had moved to New Zealand from England in 1843 after being offered the position of Judge of the Supreme Court. In 1844 he purchased land (Section 35) in Karori for £325. The house was built in 1847 using timber from the property, mostly native timbers including Hinau, Kahikatea, Miro, Rata, and Rewarewa. In 1852 the Chapman family moved to Victoria in Australia, selling their property to John and Henrietta Johnston. The Johnston’s made some additions to the cottage built by Chapman, ‘modernising’ it and making more fashionable.

      In 1888 the eldest son of the Johnston’s, Walter who was MP for Manawatu between 1871-1884 and a cabinet minister between 1881-1884, acquired the house and sold it to his brother Charles. Charles by this time had ten children, and owned another large home in Hobson Street. In 1889 Charles was elected to Mayor of Wellington and Homewood was to be the summer home for the family. The house, at this time, was still simply a large cottage rather than the stately home of a Mayor. In 1902 it was announced that Charles was going to build a large house in Karori upon the old site of Homewood. He invited Joshua Charlesworth, who had recently won the competition to design the Wellington Town Hall, to draw up the plans for a new house. The original home of Justice Chapman was mostly demolished to make way for the new building, with the servants and kitchen wing the only remaining evidence of the original building. Construction began in 1903 and was completed in under a year. The new house was much larger and grander than the cottage that had stood on the site, built in timber and featuring a square tower with crenellations, which are also found in the porte cochere and the crenellated bays on three facades at the ground and upper levels, and expressed the wealth and self-image of the family. As such Homewood became the permanent home of the Johnston family.

      The Johnston’s lived in Homewood until 1925 when the house and land was sold to Francis Pulley, a successful building contractor for £80, 000. Pulley is responsible for the major subdivision of the Homewood property, having purchased parts of sections 57 and 35 (some one hundred and forty nine acres, three roods, and eighty six one hundredths of a perch).

      In 1928 Pulley sold the house and two acres of land to Lucy and Benjamin Sutherland for £7,000, who developed the land to include a swimming pool, landscaped the gardens, including walled ferneries, a grotto with a cave housing glow worms, pools, and a waterfall. Another feature of the garden were four lion statues commissioned from Walter Platt, a well known craftsman who is responsible for the plasterwork on a number of high quality buildings such as the Bank of New Zealand on the corner of Lambton and Customhouse Quay. Lucy Sutherland is also responsible for redecorating the interior of Homewood in the art deco style. The Sutherlands held many events at Homewood including fêtes, garden parties, and charity events. In 1938 they hosted the wedding of their only daughter Jean to Dr. N. R. Mackay; with the newspaper stating that it was a wedding in ‘sylvan surroundings’.

      The Sutherland family remained in the house until the late 1950s when the house was placed on the market for sale.

      At the time, the British Government was in need of a new residence for their high commissioner, so offered £45,000 for Homewood. This was said to be the highest price paid in Wellington for anything similar. The former residence, known as Ranelagh, was only leased so a suitable permanent residence had been sought.

      During its time as the home of the British High Commissioner, Homewood has had several occupants. The first occupants in the late 1950s were Sir George and Lady Mallaby, who redecorated, re-carpeted, and re-furnished the house in the style of a traditional English country home. The house was redecorated again in the 1970s and in 1975 Sir Harold and Lady Beryl Smedley moved into the property. Lady Smedley, who was a Wellingtonian by birth, published a book about Homewood in 1980 entitled ‘Homewood and its families: A story of Wellington’. The house remains the home of the British High Commissioner.

      In 2012, OPUS International Consultants Ltd was commissioned by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office to undertake a seismic assessment of the building. This assessment found that although the building is constructed in timber, it also has 5 unreinforced masonry chimneys, and some internal and external walls are in need of strengthening. The main issue involved in this work is maintaining the heritage values of the house and that any construction works are undertaken in a manner that minimises any impact upon the heritage values of Homewood. The work is on-going and strengthening is scheduled to begin March 2013.

    • Modifications close
      • 1847
      • Original House was designed, built by Samuel Duncan Parnell, completed in 1847. It was named ‘Homewood’ by Judge Chapman.
      • 1851
      • Alterations between 1851 and 1870 carried out by John and Charlotte Johnston.
      • 1903
      • Extensive modifications, alterations and additions. Majority of original house demolished, building designed by Joshua Charlesworth constructed (00047:1:52)
      • 1925
      • Property subdivided, roads and services added, lots sold off on Homewood Avenue.
      • 1926
      • Addition of four garages £500 (00056:19:B1862)
      • 1928 - 1949
      • Extensive alterations to gardens carried out by Benjamin and Lucy Sutherland
      • 1929
      • Construction of garage £250 (00056:72:B6963)
      • 1930
      • Construction of dressing shed £129 (00056:99:B9173)
      • 1932
      • Construction of Aviary £95 (00056:128:B11645)
      • 1933
      • Construction of Aviary £75 (00056:135:B12279)
      • 1933
      • Construction of conservatory £310 (00056:139:B12601)
      • 1957
      • Redecoration and refurbishment of Homewood by Sir George and Lady Mallaby
      • 1962
      • Addition to dwelling and garage £5,200 (00058:259:C11490)
      • 1970
      • Furnishings renewed
      • 1973
      • Interior alterations and alteration to staff amenities, roof replaced with grey Decramastic tiles
      • 1974
      • Dwelling additions and alterations $500 (00058:943:C41469)
      • 1977
      • Dwelling additions and alterations $3,100 (00058:1114:C48161)
      • 1980
      • Removal of interior features-dark varnish on Rimu and Kauri panelling removed, Billiard room transformed into a music room and major redecoration of the principle sitting room and dining room undertaken
      • 1982
      • Dwelling additions and alterations $6,550 (00058:0:C60391)
      • 1982
      • Reinstate swimming pool $59,700 (00058:0:C60740)
      • 1983
      • Dwelling additions and alterations $4,280 (00058:0:C61776)
      • 1984
      • Addition to carport and deck $1,600 (00058:0:C66153)
      • 1988
      • Building alteration – Conservatory (00059:243:D11111)
      • 1997
      • Storm-water drain from swimming pool to kerb $1,600 (00078:466:32489)
      • 1999
      • Additions and alterations $29,000 (00078:219:52090)
      • 2000
      • Refurbishment of existing changing sheds (00078:407:62607)
      • 2007
      • Dwelling additions and alterations $30,000 (00078:2158:159555)
    • Occupation History close
      • 1847
      • Henry Chapman
      • 1852
      • John and Henrietta Johnston
      • 1889
      • Charles Johnston
      • 1928
      • Lucy and Benjamin Sutherland
      • 1958
      • British Government, British High Commission
  • close Architectural Information
    • Building Classification(s) close

      Not assessed

    • Architecture close

      The house is essentially a large, two storey extended bay villa of the Edwardian Period. It has been eclectically designed with a number of different architectural styles involved, such as Arts and Crafts, Neo-Classicism, expressed in New Zealand domestic architecture.

      The house today is made up of a number of additions and alterations since the original cottage of the 1840s. Some of this original cottage remains at the southern end of the house although it has been extensively altered; this section is a two storey partition with a gabled roof and dormer windows.

      The much larger and grander part of the house faces east towards the suburb of Northland. The 1903 house features a square tower with crenellations which are echoed in the porte cochere and the crenellated bays on three facades at the ground and upper levels. The porte cochere is supported by wooden columns with Corinthian capitals. The battlement theme is reinforced by the crenellated bays on three facades. In contrast to these characteristics are the pitched roofs punctuated by brick chimneys, which run in the direction of both axes of the building, providing vertical emphasis and interest to the roofline. A verandah on the North West façade maintains continuity between the different sections of the house. Unity is created between the two sections by cladding both in rusticated weatherboards with pressed steel tiles.

    • Materials close

      Timber frame, rusticated weatherboards, painted timber joinery, tiled roofing.

    • Setting close

      Homewood is located in landscaped gardens that include a number of outbuildings, masonry walls, and pedestrian and vehicular circulation routes. Homewood, although not visible from the street, is the most significant residence in Karori and makes a valuable contribution to Karori as a suburb and the Homewood Avenue area.

  • close Cultural Value

    Homewood is a fine example of a 19th century cottage that was adapted in the early 20th century to form a large “gentleman’s” residence for its wealthy upper-middleclass owners. It is notable as an outstanding example of Edwardian extravagance, and for its grand proportions, its tranquil garden setting, and the quality of its design, materials and workmanship.

    Homewood is closely associated with the development of Wellington and particularly Karori as a suburb. It has been associated with a succession of leading figures in the legal, political, commercial, social, and diplomatic life of Wellington and New Zealand.

    There is technical value in the 1847 portion of the house, which is believed to be one of the oldest surviving examples of domestic architecture in Wellington. The unity that is expressed by this house despite being an amalgam of different additions and alterations is a testament to the skill of the builder and the architect.

    • Aesthetic Value close

      • Architectural

        Does the item have architectural or artistic value for characteristics that may include its design, style, era, form, scale, materials, colour, texture, patina of age, quality of space, craftsmanship, smells, and sounds?

        Homewood is a fine example of a 19th century cottage that was adapted in the early 20th century to form a large “gentleman’s” residence for its wealthy upper-middleclass owners. It is notable as an outstanding example of Edwardian extravagance, and for its grand proportions, its tranquil garden setting, and the quality of its design, materials and workmanship.

      • Group

        Is the item part of a group of buildings, structures, or sites that taken together have coherence because of their age, history, style, scale, materials, or use?

        This building can be looked at as a part of a group of buildings that are found on the property that have a coherence due to their age, history, style, and materials used.

      • Townscape

        Does the item have townscape value for the part it plays in defining a space or street; providing visual interest; its role as a landmark; or the contribution it makes to the character and sense of place of Wellington?

        Homewood contributes significantly to the character of Karori and is closely associated with the settlement and development of the suburb.

    • Historic Value close

      • Association

        Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?

        Homewood is closely associated with the development of Wellington and particularly Karori as a suburb. It has been associated with a succession of leading figures in the legal, political, commercial, social, and diplomatic life of Wellington and New Zealand. Homewood is also associated with the work of Katherine Mansfield.

        The building has been the home of the British High Commissioner since the late 1950s and continues to serve this role today. 


    • Scientific Value close

      • Archaeological

        Does the item have archaeological value for its ability to provide scientific information about past human activity?

        The original building on the site was constructed in 1847 meaning that the site has archaeological value (under the HPA 1993).

      • Technological

        Does the item have technological value for its innovative or important construction methods or use of materials?

        There is technical value in the 1847 portion of the house, which is believed to be one of the oldest surviving examples of domestic architecture in Wellington. The unity that is expressed by this house despite being an amalgam of different additions and alterations is a testament to the skill of the builder and the architect.

    • Social Value close

      • Identity Sense Of Place Continuity

        Is the item a focus of community, regional, or national identity? Does the item contribute to sense of place or continuity?

        This building contributes to the character of Karori, adding a sense of grandeur to the suburb.

      • Public Esteem

        Is the item held in high public esteem?

        H is held in high public esteem despite being hidden from the street. The building was the residence of several upper-middleclass families and, in the past, was the site of a number of fêtes, garden parties, and charity events. It is now the official residence of the British High Commissioner.

      • Sentiment Connection

        Is the item a focus of community sentiment and connection?

        Homewood is a well known by local residents as one of the oldest buildings in Karori, as a grand house, and as the official residence of the British High Commissioner. The house, gardens and associated buildings are likely to be a focus for community sentiment and connection.

      • Symbolic Commemorative Traditional Spiritual

        Does the item have symbolic, commemorative, traditional, spiritual or other cultural value for the community who has used and continues to use it?

        The building has some symbolic and cultural value as the home of the British High Commissioner to New Zealand.

    • Level of Cultural Heritage Significance close

      • Authentic

        Does the item have authenticity or integrity because it retains significant fabric from the time of its construction or from later periods when important additions or modifications were carried out?

        This building in an amalgam of different modifications, additions, and alterations and it has authenticity because these have been carried out with unity of materials and levels of detail and workmanship. It retains a large amount of original materials so has authenticity.

      • Local Regional National International

        Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?

        Homewood is associated with a succession of leading figures in the legal, political, commercial, social, and diplomatic life of Wellington and New Zealand. It is also plays an important role in the character of Karori as a suburb, the 1847 cottage fragment is one of the oldest surviving examples of domestic architecture in Wellington, and the 1903 section is an outstanding example of nineteenth century extravagance. For these reasons Homewood is a building of national importance.

      • Rare

        Is the item rare, unique, unusual, seminal, influential, or outstanding?

        The building incorporates fragments of one of Wellington’s oldest houses – the 1847 cottage built for the Chapman family.

      • Representative

        Is the item a good example of the class it represents?

        This building is a good representative of the class it represents – an Edwardian residence for an upper-middleclass family.

    • Local / Regional / National / International Importance close

      Not assessed

  • close Site Detail

    • District Plan Number

      11/ 154.1

    • Legal Description

      Lot 2 DP 83090

    • Heritage New Zealand Listed

      1/ 1368

    • Archaeological Site

      Pre 1900 building on the site – Archaeological site likely

    • Current Uses

      unknown

    • Former Uses

      unknown

    • Has building been funded

      No

    • Funding Amount

      Not applicable

    • Earthquake Prone Status

      To be assessed

  • close Additional Information

Last updated: 10/24/2017 10:43:27 PM