Inverlochy House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inverlochy House |
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Inverlochy House in 2014
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| General information | |
| Location | 3 Inverlochy Place, Te Aro, Wellington |
| Coordinates | 41°17′37″S 174°46′12″E / 41.293705°S 174.770122°E |
| Current tenants | Inverlochy Art School |
| Completed | 1878 |
| Owner | New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts |
| Designated: | 26 May 2006 |
| Reference #: | 1398 |
Inverlochy House is a special old building in Wellington, New Zealand. It's known as a historic place and also as a busy art school today. Sometimes people call it Inverlochie House or Inverlochy Flats.
Contents
Inverlochy House: A Historic Art School
A Look Back: Its Early Days
In 1878, Inverlochy House was built for a man named Kennedy Macdonald. He was a councillor in Wellington, which means he helped make decisions for the city.
By 1893, Mr. Macdonald faced financial difficulties. His property, Inverlochy House, was put up for auction. The newspaper New Zealand Times described the house as very grand. It had 14 rooms and 2 bathrooms. It also had modern features for its time, like running water.
The house also featured two conservatories, which are like glass rooms for plants. There was a special room for growing grapes (a vinery) and another for ferns (a fernery). It even had a chicken coop, a laundry room, and a stable for horses. The newspaper said it was in a "fashionable location" and was a perfect home for a family.
From Home to Art School
For many years, Inverlochy House was a private home. Then, in 1980, something exciting happened. A company called Williams Development Holdings Limited gave Inverlochy House to the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. This gift was so the building could be used as an art school. It became known as the Williams School of Art at Inverlochy.
Today, Inverlochy House is still a vibrant art school. Young artists and adults go there to learn and create. It's a place where history and creativity come together.
Is it Haunted?
Some people say that Inverlochy House is haunted! Stories suggest that ghosts might live within its old walls. This adds a mysterious and exciting touch to the building's long history.
Protecting History
Inverlochy House is officially recognized as a Category 2 historic building. This classification comes from Heritage New Zealand. Being a Category 2 historic building means it's a place of special historical or cultural importance. It's important to protect and preserve buildings like Inverlochy House for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
