Chevening Flats

When built in 1929, the Chevening Flats captured all the opulence and splendour of the time as designed by architect Llewellyn Williams. Spanning four levels, the reinforced concrete property, partially faced in brick and in stripped classical style, is an early and excellent example of luxury apartment living in Wellington.

Chevening was designed for Miss Emma Margaret Rainforth (1871-1936), an early woman graduate from Otago University who went on to have a very successful teaching career at Prince Albert College in Auckland and Wellington Girls School.

The property today is very much as Emma Rainforth would have seen it. This is due to the incredible work of Hugh and Beverley Price who, along with full support and dedication from their daughter Susan, purchased Chevening in 1979 and set about returning what had become an extremely run-down property to its former glory.

Susan eventually became the sole owner of Chevening and in 2011 the property was earthquake strengthened to 100 percent of building code. In February 2019 Susan, in an incredible act of generosity, gifted Chevening to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga to care for.

Available to rent

The story of Chevening continues as Heritage New Zealand again presents the apartments as available for rent. All flats can be partially or fully furnished and offer a sense of 1920s nostalgia in a modern setting.

They include a fibre network, heat pump, security systems, two double bedrooms, one bathroom, open plan light-filled lounge and dining room and a fully fitted original kitchen with modern adaptions and appliances. The apartments also offer an optional garage and access to the Chevening gardens.

For all enquiries at the mid to long term rental opportunities, please contact us at information@heritage.org.nz.

A 1920s example of luxury apartment living in Wellington - available again to rent

Chevening Flats are located just five minutes walk from Victoria University of Wellington's Kelburn campus. Image: Grant Sheehan / Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
One of the double bedrooms at Chevening. Image: Grant Sheehan
Sorry, no lifts but a stunning well-lit stairwell serves the purpose. Image: Grant Sheehan
View from the upper apartments across the playing fields and city to the harbour. Image: Grant Sheehan / Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
View of the living area from the dining room. Image: Grant Sheehan / Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
The small but charming rear garden. Image: Grant Sheehan / Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
The kitchen has period features complemented with modern appliances. Image: Grant Sheehan / Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga