Picture this. You stand before Melrose House a grand Victorian home in Nelson. Its heart rimu timbers whisper tales of a bygone era.
Melrose House is more than just a house. It’s a living testament to Nelson’s history. Built around 1879 it was originally the home of Charles Fowell Watts a pioneer surveyor. He arrived in Nelson in 1841. His family lived here for many years.
The story of Melrose House is one of families. Charles Watts and his wife Elizabeth raised their children here. Their eldest daughter Frances married Percy Bolland Adams. Percy loved trees. He and Frances planted many of the heritage trees you see in the gardens today. Their son Noel inherited Melrose. He later gifted it to the Women’s Division of the Farmers Union.
For years Melrose served as a rest home for rural women. It offered a haven of peace. It was a place to recover and relax. It was a sanctuary for new mothers too. Imagine the quiet comfort women found within these walls.
Unfortunately high running costs led to the house being given to the citizens of Nelson. The Colonel Noel Percy Adams Trust was formed to preserve it. Today Melrose House continues to thrive. It hosts weddings events and celebrations. It is a beloved community landmark.
The gardens surrounding Melrose are just as enchanting. They include rare trees. There’s a majestic Moreton Bay Fig. Its buttress roots are truly impressive. You’ll also find a towering Lawson’s Cypress and a Redwood. These trees are a testament to nature’s enduring strength. The gardens also boast various roses and native plantings like Karaka and Puriri. Each plant adds to Melrose’s unique charm.
So as you explore Melrose House and its beautiful gardens take a moment to absorb its story. This house stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a beacon of community spirit. It is a place of peace. It is a treasured piece of Nelson’s heritage. Enjoy your time at Melrose House.