Nott House

In 1842, a ship named the Birman sailed into Wellington’s harbor. Aboard were William Nott and his wife Ann, ready to start their new life. Nott House stands before you as a testament to their journey. It embodies the spirit of early Wellington settlers. William Nott purchased land in 1860. Soon after, he built Nott House, originally part of Ivy Bank Farm. The name “Ivy Bank” came from the ivy that cascaded over the bridge leading to the farm. Nott House witnessed the changing landscape of Wellington. It saw the farm shrink as land was taken for the railway in 1929 and later the motorway in 1951. The house served as a home for generations. William and his second wife Emma lived here. Their sons, James and Frank, also called Nott House home. A tragic influenza outbreak in 1918 claimed the lives of Frank and his sister Mary. This led the family to sell Ivy Bank Farm to the Rowells in 1919. The Rowells continued the farming tradition, raising dairy cows and sheep. They also operated a milk stand across the railway line, a remnant of which still stands today. In 1947, Herbert “Max” Dorset bought Nott House and a portion of the farm. He continued raising cattle but also leased out his woolshed for some unusual ventures. Experiments in rust-proofing cars, manufacturing borer beetle repellent, and soap production all took place within the old woolshed walls. Nott House also holds a darker story. In 1956, a crime of passion unfolded outside the property. Max Dorset shot his wife’s lover. He was convicted of manslaughter. Later in life, Dorset gained a reputation for eccentricity, often seen sitting naked on his porch. Nott House stands as a tangible piece of Wellington’s history. It embodies the resilience and resourcefulness of its occupants. It also reflects the changing landscape of the area, from a rural farm to its current suburban setting. It has witnessed both joyous moments and tragic events. This two-story gabled cottage, with its bull-nosed verandah and mix of timber weatherboard and corrugated iron, is more than just a building. It is a time capsule, whispering tales of the past to anyone who listens.