Duart House, Havelock North

Duart House, Havelock North, New Zealand

On the first Sunday of each month, from 10am to 12pm. Duart House is open to the public. I love visiting the historical homesteads both here in the Hawke’s Bay and around the country, they give you a glimpse into the region’s past.

Duart House

The McLean family, originally from Scotland, built this magnificent house in the late 1800s.

The building is made from New Zealand timber, the craftsmanship of the joinery is something to behold. It still amazes me how these buildings were built without all the modern tools we have today.

Take the opportunity to view the family history, displayed on the second floor. From the second floor, one can climb up a narrow and steep wooden staircase to the tower. From there you can an outstanding view of Havelock North and the surrounding area. The tower, as just mentioned, was built to remind Mr McLean of the Duart Castle in the Isle of Mull.

Our guide advised us that the beautiful gardens and trees, didn’t exist until the untimely death of Mr McLean. Prior to his death farm animals were allowed to wander right around the house. Within 24 hours after his passing his wife had purchased plants and created the garden that exists today.

Definitely worth the visit for those that enjoy historical homesteads both.

(https://www.duarthouse.org.nz )