Carrigafoyle, Wellington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carrigafoyle |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Edwardian |
| Location | 195 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Completed | 1903 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Penty & Blake |
| Main contractor | W Fyfe |
| Designated: | 11-Jul-1986 |
| Reference #: | 1345 |
Carrigafoyle is a special historic building in Wellington, New Zealand. Its name means "on a rock overlooking water." This grand house was completed in 1903. It stands at 195 The Terrace and has a rich history.
Contents
Discovering Carrigafoyle's History
Carrigafoyle was designed by architects Penty & Blake. It was built for Robert and Elizabeth O'Connor. Robert's family came from Ireland. They were said to be connected to a place called Carrigafoyle Castle there. Elizabeth was the daughter of a well-known person, John Martin. The town of Martinborough is named after him.
What Was Inside the House?
The house was very large. It had two main floors, plus a basement and a sub-basement. There were seven bedrooms for the family and guests. It also had many living areas.
Special Features of the House
The house had two different staircases. One was a 'principal staircase' for the family and their visitors. The other was a smaller staircase. This second staircase was on the opposite side of the building. It was used by the servants who worked in the house.
The basement of Carrigafoyle was quite interesting. It held a billiard room, which is a room for playing pool. There was also a private museum there. This museum was a special project of the O'Connors' son, Albert Creagh O'Connor. The house also featured amazing stained glass windows. These windows were designed by Charles Edward Carter. They had a beautiful art nouveau style.
Life After the O'Connors
Elizabeth O'Connor passed away in 1919. After her death, the house was put up for sale. A real estate advertisement from that time described the house in detail. It said Carrigafoyle had 11 bedrooms. It also listed a dining room, a morning room, and a drawing room. There was a lounge hall and a full-size billiard room. The house also had a conservatory, a telephone room, and a dark room. It even had two balconies with "glorious" views of the harbour.
In the 1980s, the building was carefully restored. This restoration work was done by Rex Nicholls. He was a former Deputy Mayor of Wellington.
A Protected Historic Place
Carrigafoyle is very important to New Zealand's history. It is officially classified as a "Category 1" historic place. This means it has "special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value." This classification is given by Heritage New Zealand.
The building is even mentioned in a song! The New Zealand singer-songwriter Hollie Fullbrook, also known as Tiny Ruins, mentions it in her song 'Adelphi Apartments'.
Images for kids
-
A stained glass window in the porch of Carrigafoyle.
-
The new Carrigafoyle building stands next to the old one. This newer building is not heritage listed.
