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The Nelson Photo News

 

58

Historic Homes No. 14: "Hillwood'

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Not far from The Glen turn-off on the Wakapuaka Road is the O'Beirne property, and on it stands this wonderful old house that has been home to four generations of O'Beirnes. "Hillwood" was built in 1845 for Mr A. S. Collins and he used it as his home until the arrival of the O'Beirnes in 1893. An interesting sidelight of the O'Beirne's journey to New Zealand was that the family travelled out in two ships in case one was lost during the trip. The house is entirely of timber, and comprises eight bedrooms, a ballroom, as well as living and dining rooms. Features of the main rooms are fireplaces of Ialian marble and covering the floor of some rooms are several of the original carpets, still in excellent condition.