‘Grand old lady’ on the market
A rare historic wooden mansion in Lower Hutt is on the market for the first time this century.
Anson House, built in 1899, is listed in the Hutt City Council district plan as a building of regional significance, being one of the last original bay villas left in the city.
Council notes state it is largely unmodified and features high levels of authentic period materials and craftsmanship.
The 400 square metre home was built for W.G. Foster, the second mayor of Lower Hutt, but is named after Dr George Edward Anson, chief New Zealand physician of the Australian Mutual Provident Society (now AMP) and later a chairman of directors for The Dominion newspaper. He took ownership of the home in 1906.
Agents are asking for inquiries over $2.3million.
Anson House is built on concrete foundations and mataı¯ floors, with a kauri frame. The interior is panelled with native timbers and features intricate plaster ceilings.
There are five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study, two living rooms, a reception area and a large dining room. A central feature is an an ornate rimu staircase below a leadlight skylight.
Alan and Susan McLennan bought Anson House in 1999. Alan McLennan, who runs an insulation contracting company, said it had been a privilege to live there, but it was now time to downsize.
The house originally sat on about three hectares but the section was subdivided over the years..
Tommy’s listing agent Anne Harris said Anson House was the sort of property that came up for sale only every couple of decades.
‘‘It’s a one-off. You couldn’t recreate that standard of workmanship because of the cost,’’ she said. ‘‘She’s a grand old lady that’s calling out to be treasured.’’