Stafford Place facts for kids
Stafford Place is a special old house located at 61 Redwood Road in Appleby, near Richmond. It's a very important building in New Zealand's history. Because of its historical value, it is officially protected as a Category I structure by Heritage New Zealand. This means it's one of the most important historic places in the country!
A Look Back: Stafford Place's History
Stafford Place was built a long time ago, in 1866. It was built for a man named Henry Redwood and his wife, Mary. Henry Redwood was an important person in the area during his time. His sister was married to Joseph Ward, who was also a well-known politician.
What is Carpenter Gothic Style?
The house itself has a unique look called the Carpenter Gothic style. Imagine a beautiful old house that looks a bit like a fancy wooden church! This style uses wood to create decorative details that look like the stone carvings you might see on a Gothic cathedral. It often includes pointed arches, steep roofs, and fancy trim around the windows and eaves.
The Stables and the Earthquake
Next to the main house, there were brick stables where horses would have been kept. These stables were badly damaged in a big natural event called the 1929 Murchison earthquake. Earthquakes can cause a lot of shaking and damage to buildings. However, in the 2000s, the stables were carefully rebuilt. They were made to look exactly like they did when they were first built, keeping the original design.
