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Steeped in history BY ANNE CLARK
T
his historic 2.47ha lifestyle property blends three cultures in German heritage, English country-style gardens and the largest stand of native kahikatea in the Waimea Plains. The property includes a gracious four-bedroom colonial villa, a two-room cottage and attached double garage with a woodshed on one side, a barn or artist’s studio, a little two-storey wooden playhouse, a garden shed, and an older single garage currently used for storage. All are set in park-like grounds. Two fenced paddocks of pasture graze a few sheep or beef cattle. Mature trees and flaxes surround the lake, along with a jetty and seat carved from an old tree trunk. A separate stream extends through one side of the property. A vast lawn, bordered by redwoods, oaks – some more than 170 years old – and black walnuts, is used for playing cricket or football. It is the perfect spot for camping on summer nights with an open fire. When restoring the villa in 1992/1993, the owners discovered artefacts belonging to Hans Heinrich Busch, a settler who arrived on the Skojld in 1844. He was supposedly a squatter on the property, which was part of the Kelling 200-acre block. Kelling brothers Fedor and Carl also arrived in 1844. Their migration to Waimea West was financed by Count Ranzau of
1. The classic Kiwi villa surrounded by mature trees 2. An aerial view of the English-style cottage gardens 3. The west-facing terrace is perfect for outdoor entertaining 4. The lake provides a haven for wildlife 5. Formal gardens frame the house
Mecklenburg, who struck a deal with the New Zealand Company to buy land for 30 shillings an acre. As the migrants settled, they were to repay their fares and buy their land for £2 5s an acre. The Kellings prospered and owned large tracts throughout the Nelson district. The initial cob cottage, built on the property in 1851, was later destroyed by fire. It was replaced in 1910 by a four-room cottage. This was extended and fully renovated in the 1990s to plans designed by architect Ian Jack, taking care to preserve its classic character of sash and bay windows, French doors, high ceilings and rimu flooring with deep skirting boards. Through windows, glass-panelled doors and verandas, the house enjoys panoramic views of the Western Ranges, with Mt Arthur dominant. The 91sq m double garage and attached cottage were built in 1986. The cottage boasts a large veranda extending around two walls. The 71sq m barn went up in 2002, adjacent to the lake and not visible from the main house. A ladder accesses a mezzanine floor, which is now used for storage. Originally an artist’s studio, it is a great space for entertaining. The many gardens, lawns and trees are a feature of the property, designed by landscape architects Boffa Miskell. 59