Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value Awatoitoi is an important building in Wairarapa farming history. The present owner of Awatoitoi is Roger Montgomery Fairbrother, the grandson of Hugh Morrison for whom the homestead was built at the time of his marriage to Murial Stanley. However, the station was first owned by Hugh's father John Morrison. Hugh lived in the house until he died in 1951 and his wife lived on alone at the homestead until 1976 when ill health forced her to move in to town. She died in 1980 aged 99. Educated at Nelson College and Wanganui Collegiate Morrison began his career on Blairlogie which was also John Morrison's land and of which Awatoitoi is a part. Hugh managed Blairlogie for some 12 years before it was subdivided and he took over Awatoitoi Station, for sheep and cattle farming. Hugh Morrison was a leader in farming affairs being a founding member of the Wairarapa Farmers' Provincial Executive and of the Wairarapa Federated Farmers. He also was involved in local body parties, being a member of the Wellington Harbour Board.

Physical Significance

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: A well preserved example of Charles Edward Daniell's work, Awatoitoi homestead clearly shows the skills of this early carpenter-designer in both the unusual design and the excellent workmanship. As a later piece of Daniell's work it shows a progression away from the truer classical style shown in the Masterton Club towards the more flamboyant style of High Victorian Gothic which was more appropriate to native timber. The choice of a Classical entrance emphasises the importance attached to this feature of the house by the owner. TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK SIGNIFICANCE: The house is situated a few hundred metres off Blairlogie Road and originally its position at the top of a small rise meant it could be seen in all its grandeur for some distance, although now it is surrounded by native bush.