The Olveston Experience in Dunedin

Dunedin is a city that possesses a rich heritage and offers the visitor a wealth of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It is notable also for its museums and galleries, a beautiful harbour and headland that is home to a variety of wildlife. This atmosphere helps the visitor appreciate what it would have been like to live in the rich surroundings at a time when Dunedin was the bustling financial capital of New Zealand.

Olveston was built in this era of prosperity and was designed to be a grand house built at a time when the colony was coming of age. The busy port and the success of the financial and mercantile world in the city made Dunedin an exciting place to be. 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 sets it apart as one of New Zealand's grandest homes.

All thirty-five rooms at Olveston tell a story of a gracious age. The home is sited in the inner city on an acre of manicured gardens nestled within the protected native bush belt that runs along the western hills that rise above the city centre. Olveston is within walking distance from the Octagon and main shopping city precinct.

Olveston reveals elaborate fixtures, fittings and furnishings. The architect's attention to detail and the workmanship and quality of materials used in the house's construction make it an outstanding example of is Sir Ernest George's design. This is complemented by the fact that it is the only example of this architect's work in the southern hemisphere.

David Theomin was a very successful businessman and he and his family travelled extensively. He collected many irreplaceable objects and treasures on his journeys to display in his home . The collections reflect David Theomin's interest in many cultures and particularly in the decorative arts from East Asia. Some 240 paintings and graphics grace the rooms and record many of the visits made to European countries. Olveston has only ever had one family in residence. Miss Dorothy Theomin, the sole surviving member of the family, died in 1966 and the property, complete with all its contents, was passed into the care of the city of Dunedin.

Since 1967 when Olveston was opened to the public it has given many visitors a glimpse of a life-style long gone, opening a significant time capsule. Originality is Olveston's hallmark. Olveston today reflects the life-style of the Theomin family and their servants around the time of the Great War. Many of the antiques seen today are items that were used in everyday life by the household when the family was in residence.

In material terms, as Olveston grows older, it grows infinitely more valuable. What is possibly not so clearly understood is that in historic terms, it is already priceless. Olveston could never be recreated. The Theomin Gallery Trust is responsible for the operation of the historic house and takes meticulous care over its preservation and presentation. Strict conservation protocols are followed to ensure the originality of material and design is not lost over time. A visit to Olveston is not just a visit to another old house; it is a unique experience in New Zealand.

The splendor of many of its public buildings reflects Dunedin's economic and cultural pre-eminence in Victorian New Zealand. Today Dunedin has a rightly deserved reputation as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mansions of fine brickwork, gorgeous examples of Art Deco and century old homes abound. Each section of the city has its own character and is worth exploring, from the 1860's Oamaru stone buildings of Port Chalmers to the imposing form of Larnach Castle situated on the Otago Peninsula. A drive around the city streets will provide a glimpse into lovely private homes sheltered by the town belt above the city centre.

Architecturally outstanding is the massive stone Flemish Renaissance-style Railway Station, built in 1904 - 1906. Over the years it has been restored to its former glory and now is home to various commercial operations, including the Taieri Gorge Railway.

The University of Otago's clock-tower building, Otago Boy's High School, First Church and St Dominic's Priory are outstanding examples of the gothic Revival style. The magnificent entrance steps to St Paul's Cathedral in the Octagon are reminiscent of the old cathedrals of Europe, as are the imposing elevations of St Joseph's Cathedral.

History is also very much in evidence close to Taiaroa Head. The Centennial Memorial Church at Otakou Marae was built to commemorate the arrival of Christian missions in the South Island.

High up among the rolling hills of the Peninsula is Larnach Castle, the grand home of an early politician. Construction of the castle began in 1871 and was completed five years later. Larnach Castle and it's historic-style garden can be reached via Highcliff Road along the Peninsula's ridge. From here, views out to sea and back towards the city emphasise the singular beauty of Dunedin and it's jewel-like harbour.

Whether you take a twenty minute walk around the city centre or drive down the Otago Peninsula, you will find a wealth of architectural styles that give a lasting impression of what a wonderful city Dunedin is.