This florid Edwardian mansion was built in 1907. It has been added to over the years and now forms a vigorous ensemble of stylistic parts - Edwardian Free Style mixed with later Georgian Revival and Art Deco elements. It was designed for a wealthy Auckland businessman, Philip Seabrook, who was involved in the New Zealand motor Industry. The gardens were laid out by the architect, Horace Massey and form a fitting complement to what has been described by architectural historian John Stacpoole as a notable example of the grander Baroque manner.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 2
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
7106
Date Entered
17th December 1993
Date of Effect
17th December 1993
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Lot 8 DP 26251 (RT NA708/136), North Auckland Land District, and the buildings and structures known as Florence Court thereon
Legal description
Lot 8 DP 26251 (RT NA708/136), North Auckland Land District
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 2
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
7106
Date Entered
17th December 1993
Date of Effect
17th December 1993
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Lot 8 DP 26251 (RT NA708/136), North Auckland Land District, and the buildings and structures known as Florence Court thereon
Legal description
Lot 8 DP 26251 (RT NA708/136), North Auckland Land District
Construction Professional
Name
Ferneyhough, Arthur Lewitt
Type
Architect
Biography
Arthur Lewitt Ferneyhough (1872-1936), the son of insurance agent and occasional dealer James Ferneyhaugh, was born in Nottingham, England. Ferneyhough arrived in New Zealand in circa 1890 and is believed to have worked in the drapery trade before serving his articles under Auckland architect Edward Bartley (1829-1919). In circa 1899 he went into practice on his own account and became known predominantly for his residential designs, the best known of which are Trentham (c.1907), a two storey timber villa with Moorish-dome in Shelly Beach Road, St Marys Bay; and Florence Court (c.1907), a brick villa of Baroque Revival design in Omana Avenue, Epsom. Taking up farming in circa 1919 Ferneyhough returned to architecture by 1926 and was evidently clerk of works for two substantial commercial projects in Auckland's commercial centre.
Construction Details
Start Year
1907
Type
Original Construction
Construction Professional
Name
Ferneyhough, Arthur Lewitt
Type
Architect
Biography
Arthur Lewitt Ferneyhough (1872-1936), the son of insurance agent and occasional dealer James Ferneyhaugh, was born in Nottingham, England. Ferneyhough arrived in New Zealand in circa 1890 and is believed to have worked in the drapery trade before serving his articles under Auckland architect Edward Bartley (1829-1919). In circa 1899 he went into practice on his own account and became known predominantly for his residential designs, the best known of which are Trentham (c.1907), a two storey timber villa with Moorish-dome in Shelly Beach Road, St Marys Bay; and Florence Court (c.1907), a brick villa of Baroque Revival design in Omana Avenue, Epsom. Taking up farming in circa 1919 Ferneyhough returned to architecture by 1926 and was evidently clerk of works for two substantial commercial projects in Auckland's commercial centre.
Construction Details
Start Year
1907
Type
Original Construction
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Northern Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. A copy of the original report is available from the NZHPT Northern 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
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Northern Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. A copy of the original report is available from the NZHPT Northern 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
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Location
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