Built in 1878 for £320 the McNicol Homestead stands before you. Imagine the McNicol family Scottish pioneers settling in Clevedon. This two-story Victorian home is a testament to their hard work. The kauri wood milled onsite whispers tales of their life. The homestead overlooks the Wairoa River and Clevedon Valley. A beautiful view for the first settlers.
McNicol Homestead is more than a house. It’s a Category II heritage building. It’s one of 141 scheduled historic places in the Franklin District. The Clevedon and Districts Historical Society has leased it since 1980. They use it as a house museum. Local activities like painting and crafts happen here too.
The homestead features a ha-ha a sunken fence. It has a brick chimney and corrugated iron roofing. The double hung sash windows have 6×6 panes. Notice the finials at each apex of the roof. These details add to its charm. The surrounding grounds cover 7450 square meters. The property also has impressive macrocarpas.
In 1973 Duncan McNicol’s great-granddaughter sold it. Bernie Ross a Manukau City Councillor bought it. He gifted it to the Manukau City Council in 1980. The worker’s cottage on the property was restored in 1983. Recently in July 2024 McNicol Homestead had more restoration work. This ensured it meets building code seismic and asbestos requirements. The renovations should be complete by late November.
The McNicol Homestead is a rare surviving large colonial homestead. It offers a glimpse into life on the Pohutukawa Coast. Step inside and experience a piece of Auckland’s rich history. The homestead stands as a symbol of perseverance and community spirit. It continues to serve as a place of history and community events.