“Is this really the same house?” That’s what many visitors to Laishley House in Auckland ask. Laishley House wasn’t always here in Jellicoe Park. It began its life in 1856. It was the manse for Reverend Richard Laishley. He was the first minister of the Congregational Church in Onehunga.
Originally located on Princes Street Laishley House is a significant piece of Onehunga’s history. It stood proudly for many years before being moved. In 1985 it found a new home in Jellicoe Park. The move wasn’t without its challenges. The beautiful veranda was lost during the relocation. The council replaced it with a porch. This replicated the house’s original design.
Laishley House offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. It boasts a fully restored kitchen lounge and bedroom. These rooms show how the Laishley family might have lived. Other rooms display local artifacts. The family dining area feels especially welcoming. The small office next to it hints at the Reverend’s work. A hallway leads to a staircase. Upstairs you find two bedrooms. One room shows memorabilia from early Onehunga. The other depicts a child’s bedroom. Every item in the house comes from the Onehunga area.
But Laishley House holds more than just historical significance. Local stories speak of frightening occurrences in the upper storey. Grandparents warned their grandchildren about spooky happenings upstairs. These children never dared to venture up the stairs. One family’s visit to the now public house confirmed these stories. This was the first time they explored the upstairs rooms. Their grandparents’ cautionary tales kept them away.
Today Laishley House stands as a testament to the past. It’s a museum and a potential haunted house. It combines historical preservation with intriguing local legends. Whether you are a history buff or a ghost hunter you’ll find Laishley House enchanting. This house combines the charm of the past with whispers of the unknown. This experience you will not soon forget.