Olveston is one of New Zealand's best-known stately homes and you have a passion for grand old homes, it should definitely be on your agenda.
This 35-room Jacobean-style mansion was built between 1904 and 1906 by the much-travelled and very prosperous Theomin family. It sits on an acre of tree-sheltered grounds, and since it was bequeathed to Dunedin in 1966, it has been carefully maintained in virtually its original state. It possessed a service lift to connect all four storeys. The house was centrally heated (a rare achievement and expensive addition in the early 1900's) and had an internal telephone system.
The vestibule or entrance hall is spacious. It contains an impressive collection of weapons from East Asia including treasures from the Japanese shogunate. The great hall was the focal point for the house. It held the receptions and was the entertainment room for the family. Made with English Oak Joinery, the hall contains a large range of furniture and paintings along with a grandfather clock from 1770. The drawing room has the only decorative ceiling and houses the large collection of watercolours. It's complete with a 1906 Steinway Grand Piano which you can play if you can.
David Theomin had a passion for Eastern decorative arts, and he filled his home with bronze, cloisonné, ivory, ceramics, jade, and over 250 paintings. On top of its unique interior finery, the house itself is a work of art and pays homage to the skills of 19th-century craftsmen
Seven servants were employed to service the 35 rooms and to manicure the acre of garden.
Those with reservations are given preference; house viewing is by 1-hour guided tour only. Reservations are required for the 2-hour painting tours.
42 Royal Terrace Dunedin.
03 4773320
