|
|
| Olveston is an
eloquent expression of one man's dream. A tour of Olveston allows
an intimate glimpse of the lifestyle of a privileged family in the
early 1900's. It reflects a lifestyle enjoyed by just a few, but
represents a most important piece in the mosaic of early New Zealand
life as a whole. |
 |
 |
Visitors are very
conscious of the family throughout the home, enjoying and experiencing
the many treasures that were an integral part of the family's day-to-day
life. Olveston captures this lifestyle completely. There is no more
accurate or definitive example in New Zealand. |
| Olveston was designed
for David Theomin by London architect, Sir Ernest George (1839-1922)
and built between 1904 and 1906. The Jacobean style grace and grandeur
of Olveston is distinguished by a wealth of decorative detail. It
possessed a service lift linking all four storeys. The house was
centrally heated and had an internal telephone system. |
 |
 |
Olveston provided
the Theomin family with the perfect setting to entertain both professional
and personal friends. Seven servants were employed to service the
35 rooms and to manicure the acre of beautiful garden. The home
is sited in the inner city and is within walking distance from the
city centre. |
|
