Isn’t it remarkable that Mainston Manor stands as a testament to a bygone era? It whispers stories of Scottish merchants and Victorian grandeur. Mainston Manor’s story begins with Robert Graham. He was one of New Zealand’s first Scottish settlers. Graham arrived on the ship Jane Gifford in 1842. He established businesses and amassed a fortune. Later, he became a Member of Parliament.
In 1853, Graham built Mainston Manor. It was a grand Victorian mansion. It sat on the highest point of his vast estate. This estate included the Ellerslie showgrounds and racecourse, Motutapu, and Motuihe Islands. Imagine the views Graham enjoyed from Mainston Manor.
Fast forward to today. Mainston Manor has undergone a complete rejuvenation. Emma and Bruce Cleary bought the property 18 months ago. They became part of Mainston Manor’s ongoing story. They were drawn to the rare scale and grandeur of Mainston Manor. Bruce noted the generous size of all the rooms. They saw the potential to create something special. Emma loved the beautiful garden. It contained many unusual plants. Their gardener was surprised by the variety.
Former owners had emphasized the period features of Mainston Manor. They dressed it in Victorian style. There were dark colors, striped wallpapers, and blue carpets. Emma and Bruce focused on restoration and renovation. They aimed to create a more modern family living space. They wanted a practical flowing layout. Bruce appreciated starting with a house that had proper scale.
Emma and Bruce enlisted Claire Bruford of Le Mieux. She helped simplify the interiors. They wanted to achieve a country manor in the city feel. They managed the project themselves. They were keen to allow the home’s architecture to speak. They didn’t want to lose its character.
Claire specified warm whites and pale grays. She added intense navy blues. Natural materials like sisal, linen, marble, and natural brass were incorporated. These added patina and reflected the heritage of the home. Every surface inside and out was touched. They plastered and painted. The roof was re-done. The two chimneys were fixed. The verandahs upstairs and down were repaired. New joinery with double glazing was installed. This included 30 sash windows and 16 French doors. Many small details were updated.
The kitchen was refurbished. Carrara marble benches and new splashbacks were added. New appliances were installed. They opened up the living area. It had felt compartmentalized and dark. Heavy drapes weighed it down. They found honey-colored kauri floors. These were polished to provide warmth.
Linen curtains now complement Claire’s light, bright, fresh white scheme. Plush stone-colored carpets were added. A beautiful bordered sisal runner was placed on the original staircase. Contemporary chandeliers draw the eye to the deep scotias in the ceilings. Rare fanlight leadlight windows in the entry are a highlight of Mainston Manor.
Upstairs, the layout was reconfigured. Each bedroom now has a large walk-in robe. The original home had only one tiny bathroom upstairs. Today, there are three bathrooms plus a powder room. Intricate herringbone marble floors and textured tongue-and-groove walls create a luxurious feel. Yet they remain sympathetic to the age of the house.
Mainston Manor also has a new driveway with plenty of off-street parking. There is parking behind the four-car garage. A sun-drenched flat lawn and mature gardens create the perfect children’s playground. Secure iron gates and double street access add security. Wrap-around verandas offer views from the Bombay Hills to Rangitoto.
Mainston Manor stands as a testament to thoughtful restoration. It blends historical charm with modern living. As you stand here, imagine the generations who have walked these halls. Consider the stories Mainston Manor could tell. It is an iconic Remuera residence, ready for its next chapter.