Alberton

Allan Kerr Taylor, a man of ambition and vision, arrived in New Zealand in 1848. He began transforming his Mt. Albert landholding into what we now know as Alberton. Alberton wasn’t built overnight. The original farmhouse, constructed in 1863, served as the centerpiece of his vast 203-hectare estate. In the 1870s, architect Matthew Henderson transformed it into the grand mansion you see before you. Its Anglo-Indian influences reflect Taylor’s birthplace and add to Alberton’s unique charm. This house witnessed the joys and sorrows of the Kerr Taylor family. Allan married Sophia Davis in 1865. They filled Alberton with life, welcoming ten children into the world within its walls. All ten were born in the master bedroom upstairs. That floral-covered armchair in the corner? It was a gift to Sophia, commemorating her 46 years of service as a Sunday School teacher at St. Luke’s Church. Alberton became the heart of Auckland’s social scene. The family hosted lavish parties, including New Zealand’s first county ball in 1877, a grand affair with over 250 guests. The ballroom, though spacious, couldn’t contain the largest gatherings. Those spilled over into the timber barn nearby, which held over 300 people. The Kerr Taylors weren’t just about parties. They opened Alberton to the community, hosting annual parties for St. Luke’s Sunday school children, complete with games, activities, and a feast prepared by Sophia herself. Alberton’s legacy extends beyond social gatherings. The family played a role in the women’s suffrage movement. Sophia and at least one of her daughters signed the 1893 petition that paved the way for women’s voting rights in New Zealand. Alberton has seen challenging times. After Allan’s death in 1890, the estate faced financial difficulties. Sophia, with her son Hector and daughters Winifred, Milfred, and Muriel, managed to keep Alberton going. Muriel, the youngest, lived at Alberton her entire life. She later established the Kerr Taylor Foundation, supporting the Mount Albert community with financial aid. In 1972, Muriel bequeathed Alberton to the National Historic Places Trust. Thanks to her, we can all experience the grandeur and history of Alberton. Today, Alberton continues to serve the community. The grounds host vintage and antique markets. High teas echo the hospitality of the Kerr Taylor women. In 2018, Alberton hosted commemorations for 125 years of women’s suffrage, honoring the Kerr Taylor family’s contribution.