A Change For The Castle

A turning-point in the history of Gisborne's largest and most unusual residence was reached recently with a change in ownership.

Ulverstone, in Hinaki St., a landmark in Kaiti which has been known familiarly through the years as Barker's Castle, was acquired recently by Mr and Mrs G. Wilkins, formerly of Rotorua, and is now a reception centre for social functions.

Mr and Mrs Wilkins, who were formerly in the hotel and catering business in Rotorua, and wished to set up a private reception centre somewhere, travelled all over the North Island looking for a suitable property. Their search was ended when they found Ulverstone. With over 5000 square feet of floor space, pleasantly situated in beautiful grounds on the banks of the Waimata River, Ulverstone will now become a reception centre for weddings, conferences, and other social functions. Its spacious ground floor includes a sprung dance floor.

Ulverstone was built in the first decade of this century by the estate of the late P. Barker senior for his widow, who lived there for many years. Later it was occupied by Mr Vincent Barker, and more recently by Mr J. H. R. Egan. It is said to be built entirely of Kauri.

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