When we hear the term ‘tucked away,’ it often suggests something in a special place as perhaps with a ‘secret garden.’
Well, we got that ‘in spades’, and more, when our Hawke’s Bay Founders group, in late November, 2015, visited the beautiful and historic homestead of Oruawharo on the Takapau Plains. A memorable lunch and talk was provided by the engaging owner and host, Peter Harris.
Yes, it is tucked away, some 2 km to the east of State Highway 2, near the township of Takapau, but is unseen from the highway.
It seems incredible that this gracious old home, indeed, one of New Zealand’s largest private family homes, and built with some of the finest native timbers of the day, kauri, matai, and totara, came extremely close to being demolished.
Following lunch in an attractive and renovated former church building which was moved onto the Oruawharo property from nearby Takapau, Mr Harris took the Founders visitors on a spoken tour of the old homestead, showed slides and explained some of its intriguing history.
Originally from Auckland, Peter and Dianne Harris purchased the property in 2000 with the aim of restoring the homestead, outbuildings and grounds. Then in 2012 they had the church building relocated to the property. This most attractive venue, named ‘Vincents,’ is used for Peter and Dianne’s hospitality business, for weddings, receptions, lunches, high teas and other private functions.
Another event which has become associated with this venue is ‘Opera at Oruawharo.’ Accompanied by a picnic on the lawn for patrons and held in February, this has become a much-loved feature of the Hawke’s Bay Arts calendar.
In its heyday, Oruawharo comprised a station of 27,000 acres. The homestead was completed in 1879 for newly-weds, Sydney and Sophia Johnston but sadly, with the death of an heir in 1953, the house was closed up for 30 years and fell into disrepair. This was a sad contrast to it being such a focus in its time for a lively social life of house parties, picnics, the hunt, croquet and tennis.
The homestead grounds had been extensively planted with notable introduced trees and shrubs by the Johnston family and are today being restored. The grounds also hosted a training camp for the New Zealand Army in 1914.
Oruawharo homestead is recognised by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category II building. Peter and Dianne Harris have graced the interiors with many items from their fine collection of early New Zealand furniture and other antiques and art. This brings a real touch of history and ambience to the main hall and to the large living rooms.
For those interested to learn more about Oruawharo, there is extensive information on its history, restoration and its uses in the present day at website www.oruawharo.com/, or simply enter ‘Oruawharo homestead.’
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Oruawharo homestead
Peter Harris, owner, Oruawharo, speaks to Hawke’s Bay Founders. The group’s President, Paddy Bayley, at front.
Peter Harris shows slides of the early years at Oruawharo.
Hawke’s Bay Founders members at Oruawharo.
Elegant restored interiors at Oruawharo.
Intricate joinery and panelling, main staircase, Oruawharo.
Magnificent woodwork above fireplace, drawing room, Oruawharo.
Intricate woodwork on ceiling, drawing room, Oruawharo.