Little historical information is available about the original owners of Kershaw House. From 1944 or 1945 it was occupied by the prominent Nelson doctor, David Collingwood Low. Low remained there until the early 1980s. His surgery was located along the side of the house in a room marked 'games room' on the plans and his dispensary was situated in what is now the office.
In the 1980s a large area of Nelson central was earmarked for demolition, in preparation for the construction of the new Regional Polytechnic campus. In 1988 the then owner D.G. McLean obtained consent to relocate Kershaw House to 10 Wensley Road. The entire house was successfully relocated in five pieces. Kershaw House was converted in 2003 to a luxury bed and breakfast operation with four en-suite guest
rooms.

List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 2
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
3005
Date Entered
24th June 2005
Date of Effect
24th June 2005
City/District Council
Tasman District
Region
Tasman Region
Extent of List Entry
Registration includes the buidling, its fixtures and land in certificate of title 6A/1093, Nelson Registry, Section 246 District of Waimea East.
Legal description
Sec 246 District of Waimea East (RT 6A/1093), Nelson Land District
Location Description
Formerly located at 61 Nile Street, Nelson, the house was relocated to 10 Wensley Road, Nelson, in 1988.
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 2
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
3005
Date Entered
24th June 2005
Date of Effect
24th June 2005
City/District Council
Tasman District
Region
Tasman Region
Extent of List Entry
Registration includes the buidling, its fixtures and land in certificate of title 6A/1093, Nelson Registry, Section 246 District of Waimea East.
Legal description
Sec 246 District of Waimea East (RT 6A/1093), Nelson Land District
Location Description
Formerly located at 61 Nile Street, Nelson, the house was relocated to 10 Wensley Road, Nelson, in 1988.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value Kershaw House has historical significance through its association with Doctor David Collingwood Low, an important figure in Nelson medical history.
Physical Significance
Kershaw House is a grand example of residential architecture. It was built during the 1920s and exhibits features of the English suburban style such as bold roof shapes and large 'picture' windows. The most significant aspect of Kershaw House is the Art Deco stained glass bay window on the staircase landing.
Why is this place Category 1 / Category 2?
Detail Of Assessed Criteria
(b) 'The association of the place with events, persons, or ideas of importance in New Zealand history' Kershaw House is associated with Doctor D.C. Low who lived at the property from 1944/1945 to the early 1980s. Doctor D.C. Low is considered to have been a health leader in the Nelson region; he was responsible for the establishment of the Nelson branch of the St John Ambulance Association in 1931 and held various posts including chairman of the hospital board and president of the New Zealand section of the British Medical Association. Doctor D.C. Low worked as a general practitioner from 1928 to 1977 and his surgery and dispensary were located at Kershaw House. (g) 'The technical accomplishment or value, or design of the place' Kershaw House has an elaborate Art Deco stained glass bay window on the staircase landing which shows considerable craftsmanship.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
Historical Significance or Value Kershaw House has historical significance through its association with Doctor David Collingwood Low, an important figure in Nelson medical history.
Physical Significance
Kershaw House is a grand example of residential architecture. It was built during the 1920s and exhibits features of the English suburban style such as bold roof shapes and large 'picture' windows. The most significant aspect of Kershaw House is the Art Deco stained glass bay window on the staircase landing.
Why is this place Category 1 / Category 2?
Detail Of Assessed Criteria
(b) 'The association of the place with events, persons, or ideas of importance in New Zealand history' Kershaw House is associated with Doctor D.C. Low who lived at the property from 1944/1945 to the early 1980s. Doctor D.C. Low is considered to have been a health leader in the Nelson region; he was responsible for the establishment of the Nelson branch of the St John Ambulance Association in 1931 and held various posts including chairman of the hospital board and president of the New Zealand section of the British Medical Association. Doctor D.C. Low worked as a general practitioner from 1928 to 1977 and his surgery and dispensary were located at Kershaw House. (g) 'The technical accomplishment or value, or design of the place' Kershaw House has an elaborate Art Deco stained glass bay window on the staircase landing which shows considerable craftsmanship.
Construction Details
Start Year
1921
Finish Year
1927
Type
Original Construction
Start Year
1988
Type
Relocation
Description
Relocated from 61 Nile Street to 10 Wensley Road.
Start Year
1994
Type
Modification
Description
Ensuite bathrooms installed.
Construction Materials
The house exterior is clad in weatherboard and there is corrugated iron roofing at both the ground floor and first floor level.
Construction Details
Start Year
1921
Finish Year
1927
Type
Original Construction
Start Year
1988
Type
Relocation
Description
Relocated from 61 Nile Street to 10 Wensley Road.
Start Year
1994
Type
Modification
Description
Ensuite bathrooms installed.
Construction Materials
The house exterior is clad in weatherboard and there is corrugated iron roofing at both the ground floor and first floor level.
Built in the 1920s, Kershaw House is a fine example of English suburban style. The intricately designed Art Deco stained-glass bay window is the 'showpiece' of the home. On the ground floor there is an extensive wood-panelled entranceway. This entranceway leads to an oak staircase with panels continuing right along the wall to the top of the stairs on the first floor. There are casement windows throughout the house - many of which share the same design of one large pane bordered by two, three, or four small panes along the top. The top floor of Kershaw House has been converted to bed and breakfast accommodation with four en-suite guest rooms.
Built in the 1920s, Kershaw House is a fine example of English suburban style. The intricately designed Art Deco stained-glass bay window is the 'showpiece' of the home. On the ground floor there is an extensive wood-panelled entranceway. This entranceway leads to an oak staircase with panels continuing right along the wall to the top of the stairs on the first floor. There are casement windows throughout the house - many of which share the same design of one large pane bordered by two, three, or four small panes along the top. The top floor of Kershaw House has been converted to bed and breakfast accommodation with four en-suite guest rooms.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
15th February 2005
Report Written By
J. Wylie.
Other Information
A full referenced registration report is available from the NZHPT Central Region Office Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
15th February 2005
Report Written By
J. Wylie.
Other Information
A full referenced registration report is available from the NZHPT Central Region Office Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Web Links
description:
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Web Links
description:
Location
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