Pah Homestead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pah Homestead |
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The homestead in early 2009
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| Former names | Monte Cecilia Monte Cecilia Convent Pah Farm The Pah |
| General information | |
| Type | Homestead |
| Location | Monte Cecilia Park |
| Address | Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough |
| Town or city | Auckland |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 36°54′52″S 174°45′48″E / 36.9145°S 174.7632°E |
| Completed | 1880 |
| Owner | Auckland Council |
| Designated: | 1 September 1983 |
| Reference #: | 89 |
The Pah Homestead is a beautiful old house in Hillsborough, Auckland, New Zealand. It sits inside Monte Cecilia Park. Today, the Auckland Council owns it. It is used as an art gallery, showing off a large collection of New Zealand art. Since it opened in 2010, many people have visited this special place.
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History of the Pah Homestead
The Pah Homestead was built between 1877 and 1879. It was designed for James Williamson, a rich Auckland businessman. At the time, it was one of the biggest and fanciest homes in Auckland. The house is made of brick covered in plaster. It was built in the Italianate style, like a grand Italian villa. Its design was inspired by Queen Victoria's home, Osborne House, in England.
The long driveway to Pah Road is still mostly there. The grounds around the house have some of Auckland's most amazing old trees. From the homestead, you can see views of the Manukau Harbour and One Tree Hill.
Early Days and Māori History
Before the homestead, this spot was a fortified pā (a Māori village or fort). This was back in the 1600s and 1700s. By the early 1800s, most signs of the pā were gone. Some people believe Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, who became the first Māori king, lived here for a few years.
In 1844, William Hart bought the land. He built a house there in 1847. When they dug for his house, they found old tōtara wood fences. These were likely from the Māori pā. Hart made the farm bigger and raised cattle. He also grew crops like wheat. He planted many special trees, including New Zealand's largest hoop pine.
Changes in Ownership
In 1866, Thomas Russell bought the farm. He loved plants and added many interesting ones to the property. These included a Chilean wine palm and several Bunya Bunya pines. In 1872, someone attacked the house, but luckily no one was hurt.
In 1877, James Williamson bought the property. He kept the name "The Pah." He tore down the old house to build his grand new home. This new house was one of the most expensive ever built in the colony.
A Grand Design
The new Pah Homestead was designed by Edward Mahoney & Sons. It was an Italianate villa with wide verandahs and balconies. It also had a central tower with a special viewing room at the top. From this room, you could see all around, including One Tree Hill and the Manukau Harbour. The viewing room even had a telescope!
Inside, the house was very fancy. The main rooms had beautiful plaster ceilings and Italian marble fireplaces. The floors were made of special wood with patterns. Even the windows were special, with curved glass panes. The wood panels in the hall came from Gillow and Sons, who were royal cabinet makers. They also supplied all the furniture for the house.
Williamson hoped to create a family legacy with this grand estate. However, he later faced money problems and had to sell the property. The land was then divided up for other buildings.
After Williamson's death in 1888, the Bank of New Zealand took over the house. Later, the Anglican church leased it. In 1913, the Sisters of Mercy bought it. For a while, the house was used to help people who needed a temporary place to live.
On September 1, 1983, the Pah Homestead was recognized as an important heritage building. It was listed as a Category I heritage structure.
In 2002, the Auckland City Council bought the Pah Homestead. They wanted to turn the surrounding land into a big park called Monte Cecilia Park. The council worked to protect the building and understand its history.
Restoration of the Homestead
The council worked to fix up the Pah Homestead. They repaired the roof to protect the building from weather. They also made the roof stronger and safer in case of earthquakes. They used materials like English slate tiles, just like the original roof.
Auckland City worked with experts like the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. They also worked with special architects to make sure the repairs were done very well. An Auckland company called NZ Strong Construction did the building work.
The outside of the building, including the windows and walls, has also been fixed. New drainage and fire protection were added to keep the building safe.
In August 2010, the building opened to the public as the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre. It is now called the Arts House Trust. It holds a huge collection of over 7,000 artworks by New Zealand artists. You can visit the collection and see special art shows for free.
Pah Homestead in Film and TV
Over the years, the Pah Homestead and its grounds have been used for filming movies and TV shows.
- The Quiet Earth (1985)
- Gloss (1987)
- Lucy (2003) (TV movie)
- Ike: Countdown to D-Day (2004) (TV movie)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
