Occupying a prominent site in Trafalgar Square, Fairfield House is one of Nelson's most distinguished houses. As the house of Arthur Samuel Atkinson, brother of Premier Sir Harry Atkinson it reflects the success of one of Nelsons prominent citizens.
The first house, a dormered cottage was occupying the site by 1872. A western extension (now largely gone) and a double storey eastern extension were in place by 1875. The east wing has survived as part of the larger house which was erected in 1882-83. Also some of the joinery from the western extension appears to have been used in the building of the main house.
In 1883 Atkinson erected an observation tower adjoining the house for his hobby of astronomy. Becoming unstable it was demolished but its replacement has been mooted.
Fairfield was bought by Nelson College in 1922, used as a hostel until 1964 and then by the Nelson Polytechnic for various purposes until it was recently taken over by the Department of Lands & Survey.
The house is set in attractive surroundings and native trees. The long verandahs and the mixture of gabled and hipped roofs give this house an informal appearance.
Fairfield has been restored to its former glory and is open for use by the Nelson community.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Able to Visit
List Number
256
Date Entered
27th June 1985
Date of Effect
27th June 1985
City/District Council
Nelson City
Region
Nelson Region
Legal description
Sec 1282 City of Nelson
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Able to Visit
List Number
256
Date Entered
27th June 1985
Date of Effect
27th June 1985
City/District Council
Nelson City
Region
Nelson Region
Legal description
Sec 1282 City of Nelson
Construction Details
Start Year
1849
Type
Original Construction
Start Year
1981
Type
Other
Description
Restoration
Construction Details
Start Year
1849
Type
Original Construction
Start Year
1981
Type
Other
Description
Restoration
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Information Sources
Stanton, 2013
Alan Stanton, 2013, Anything Is Possible : The Resurrection Of Fairfield House, Friends of Old Fairfield.
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 Central Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. 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. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicate modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Information Sources
Stanton, 2013
Alan Stanton, 2013, Anything Is Possible : The Resurrection Of Fairfield House, Friends of Old Fairfield.
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 Central Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. 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. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicate modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board.
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: Boarding/ Guest House
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Community centre
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Web Links
description:
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: Boarding/ Guest House
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Community centre
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Web Links
description:
