Vogel House facts for kids

Vogel House is a big family home located at 75 Woburn Road in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. It was built in 1933 for James and Jocelyn Vogel. The house was designed by Heathcote Helmore, a famous architect. It was built by Walter Dyer.

From 1977 to 1990, Vogel House was used as the official home for New Zealand's Prime Minister when they were in Wellington. In 2008, Heritage New Zealand (which used to be called the New Zealand Historic Places Trust) listed Vogel House as a Category I historic place. This means it's a very important historical building. After a legal process, the house was returned to the Vogel family in October 2019.

History of Vogel House

The land where Vogel House stands is about two acres. It was once owned by important early settlers connected to the New Zealand Company. Before the house was built, the land was used as a poultry farm.

Early Buildings on the Land

One of the early owners, James Kelham, built a small cottage there in the 1870s or 1880s. This cottage is still there today and serves as the gatehouse. It might even be the oldest house in Lower Hutt. In 1987, it was already considered more than 100 years old!

The Vogel Family Buys the Property

The property was sold many times over the years. Then, in 1932, James and Jocelyn Vogel bought it. Jocelyn Vogel's family, the Riddifords, were very well-known. Her great-grand-niece was Governor Sir George Grey. James Vogel was also from a famous family. His grandfather was Premier Sir Julius Vogel, and his great-grandfather was Premier James FitzGerald.

Vogel House Becomes a Prime Minister's Residence

As early as 1963, the Vogel family offered to give their house to the New Zealand Government. They wanted it to become an official home for the Prime Minister. They thought it was special because it was given in the year that marked 100 years of parliamentary government in Wellington. This also honored their ancestors' important roles in New Zealand's history.

The government accepted their generous offer on July 13, 1965. One condition was that the Vogels could continue living in the house until they passed away.

Changes in Plans for the House

The government did not expect to take over the house for many years. So, they did not plan much for its future use. At one point, there was an idea to turn the house and its large grounds into a college for New Zealand administration.

However, in 1966, the Vogels decided to move out of the house for family reasons. They chose to retire to their home in the Marlborough Sounds. This meant the government suddenly had to find a use for the property much sooner than expected.

Vogel House as a Diplomatic Home

The Vogels suggested that the Australian High Commission could rent the house. The Australian High Commission was looking for a temporary place to live. By mid-1966, the government was talking with the Vogels about this idea.

The Australians were very interested in Vogel House. This was because it was next to the temporary American Embassy. Also, the home of the United Kingdom trade commissioner was right next door to Vogel House. From 1967 to 1976, the Australian High Commission lived in the house.

Official Residence for the Prime Minister

Since 1977, Vogel House has been used as the official home for New Zealand's Prime Minister. Robert Muldoon was the Prime Minister who first used it. He renovated the house and even hosted the Queen there in February 1977. However, the next Prime Minister, David Lange, preferred to live in a rented apartment closer to Parliament in central Wellington.

Since 1990, the official home for the Prime Minister has been Premier House in Tinakori Road. Vogel House was used by the Governor-General from 2008 to 2012. This was while Government House was being renovated.

On June 27, 2008, Vogel House was officially listed as a Category I historic place. This was because of its "outstanding historical significance."

Legal Battle Over Ownership

In 2014, the government department in charge of Crown land decided that Vogel House was no longer needed. They started a process to sell the property. However, the decisions made during this process were challenged by the Vogel family.

The Vogel family took their case to the High Court. The Court agreed with the family. It found that the government's decision to sell the house was wrong. As a result, the property was returned to the Vogel family in October 2019.