Discover Katherine Mansfield House
Located on Tinakori Street in Thorndon, in Wellington, Katherine Mansfield's House is a significant cultural site with a modest entry fee. Built in 1888 by Harold Beauchamp, the father of renowned writer Katherine Mansfield, the house stands out with its early Regency architectural style, a departure from the typical Victorian designs of the time. This historic home provides a detailed perspective into the life of one of New Zealand's most celebrated authors.
Historical Significance and Katherine Mansfield's Legacy
The Beauchamp family, who were rising in prominence in the late 1800s, lived in one of the first areas of the city settled by Europeans. Katherine Mansfield spent her early years here before the family relocated. Educated initially in Wellington, she attended Queen’s College in England in 1903.
Finding Wellington too restrictive upon her return, she moved to England permanently at 19, where she gained fame for her modernist short stories. She was a friend of Virginia Woolf, a member of the Bloomsbury set. Tragically, she passed away in 1923 from tuberculosis. Her life and achievements are vividly depicted in one of the rooms within the house.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
After the Beauchamps, the house underwent significant modifications, eventually becoming two flats in the 1940s. The construction of the Wellington motorway below Tinakori Street also impacted the property. However, ultimately, the house's connection to Katherine Mansfield ensured its preservation.
In 1987, the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Society acquired the property and began restoring it to reflect the style of a well-to-do family from the late 1800s to early 1900s. This restoration included matching original wallpaper fragments and extensive refurbishing. Major repairs were also completed in 2019.
The Garden and Surrounding Area
The garden surrounding the house is maintained in a period-appropriate style, featuring a mix of European flowers and native plants like ferns. A bust of Katherine Mansfield is prominently displayed among the plants at the garden's south end.
After exploring the house, you can enjoy a walk along Tinakori Street, where many heritage homes, though modernised, are beautifully maintained. Cross the motorway via the Hobson Street or Molesworth Street bridges to visit the Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park.
How to Get There
To visit Katherine Mansfield House, head to Tinakori Street in Thorndon, central Wellington. The area is easily accessible by public transport or by car.
After your visit, it is a short walk to Central Wellington, the Botanic Gardens, He Tohu, St Paul's Cathedral, the Parliamentary Precinct, the downtown harbour walk and Te Papa.
