Melrose: A Fine Old Home

Stately old homes are the pride of Nelson. And on Brougham Street, in an idyllic position surrounded by trees, is one of the stateliest — Melrose.

This beautiful two-storeyed home of high Victorian design was built for Mr G. Watt about 1880. It was designed by the same architect who planned the well-known Fellworth home, and they were built at about the same time. Indeed, the two are almost twins, and a feature of both places is the well-carved Corinthian capitals on the columns. When Mrs Watt became a widow, her daughter and son-in-law, Mr Percy Adams, lived with her and, during that time, Mr Joseph Busch planted all the native trees in the spacious grounds.

On March 24,1944, a significant step in Melrose's history was taken. Colonel Noel Adams, son of Percy, officially presented the property, under trust, to the Women's Division of Federated Farmers (or Union as it was then called) as a rest home. Sheltered by the tall trees that border the home's grounds, Melrose is in an ideal spot for such an establishment. The rest home is financed by voluntary donations from branches and provinces of the W.D.F.F., and what revenue it gathers is from the nominal fees it charges for accommodation. Maintenance of the old building is expensive, so the entirely philanthropic venture could hardly make a profit even if it was designed to. And it isn't

The Dominion Council of W.D.F.F. appoints a management committee to administer Melrose and this committee is soon to have a change in chairman. Mrs L. Masters of Mapua is to resign from that position and her place will be taken by Mrs E. Bensemann of Upper Moutere, the deputy chairman. Mrs Masters will remain as a member of the committee. Melrose can accommodate 12 guests who are catered for by two permanent staff, Miss Lucy Jane (the hostess) and an assistant. For guests, the day begins with breakfast in bed, so one can appreciate what a relaxing atmosphere pervades at this delightful haven.

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Relaxing in the spacious lounge room are Mrs and Mr L. M. Hair of Levin and Mrs L. Masters, the chairman of the Melrose management committee

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Antique collectors would drool if they visited Melrose. This room, the Gold Room, features two of the home's original brass beds