This romantic timber mansion began as a farmhouse in 1863 and was later expanded to 18 rooms, with fairy-tale oriental styled decorative verandahs and towers. Alberton was famous in the 19th century for its balls, hunts, garden parties and music. It became known as the 'party house' for Auckland's colonial elite.
It was owned by the Kerr Taylors, a leading family in Mount Albert, until it was left to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in 1972. Allan Kerr Taylor was a landowner, investor and provincial and local body politician. His wife Sophia was an outspoken advocate of the vote for women, as well as a singer, gardener and mother of 10 children. She ran the estate for 40 years after her husband’s death, with her three unmarried daughters running it for a further 40 years.
It's one of the best preserved examples of the houses owned by the Colonial elite. It contains a wealth of original family furniture and other possessions, and several rooms retain their 19th century wallpapers which is exceptionally rare. The original landmark fountain is there as well.
Visitors can stroll around the lawn and admire the many protected trees including magnificent old oaks, Californian redwood, Japanese cedars, rare sandpaper figs, and old fruit trees. The garden provides a peaceful oasis amid the bustle of central Auckland where you can hear native bird song and the sound of water splashing from the ancient fountain.
The picturesque garden is a small reminder of the large formal garden which was originally located in front of Alberton. It is a lovely area to enjoy for a stroll or as a backdrop for photographs.
100 Mount Albert Road, Auckland.
09 846 7367
