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Olveston Historic Home Tours and Tickets

🎧 Available audio guides (5)

Emotional Experience Guide (EN)

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Hidden Gems (EN)

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Local Insights (EN)

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Photo Opportunity (EN)

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Practical Information (EN)

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1. Olveston Historic Home:

Olveston is a magnificent historic home located in Dunedin, New Zealand. Built between 1904 and 1906 for the prominent Theomin family, it reflects the opulent lifestyle and tastes of the Edwardian era. The home is a prime example of Jacobean architecture and is filled with original art, furniture, and appliances from the time period.

Among the interesting facts about Olveston are:

- The home was designed by British architect Sir Ernest George, and the construction was supervised by New Zealand architect Sir Robert Lawson.

- Olveston has 35 rooms, including a billiard room, a library, and a beautiful drawing room.

- The house is surrounded by stunning gardens, featuring various plants and trees, as well as a croquet lawn.

- The Theomin family traveled extensively and collected a wide array of artifacts and works of art, many of which are on display in the house, including pieces from Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.

- Olveston is a time capsule of early 20th-century life, with virtually everything in the house remaining as it was when the Theomin family lived there.

2. Working time and contact details:

Olveston Historic Home is open to the public for guided tours. The tour duration is approximately 1 hour. The working hours are as follows:

- Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 3:30 pm)

Please note that the house may close on public holidays, so it’s best to check their website or contact them directly for any updates.

Phone: +64 3 477 3320

3. Ticket information and transportation:

- Tickets for Olveston can be purchased at the site or booked online in advance.

- Adult ticket: NZD $20

- Student ticket (with valid ID): NZD $15

- Child ticket (ages 5-18): NZD $7.50

- Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): NZD $48

- Group rates are also available.

Olveston is centrally located in Dunedin, making it easily accessible by foot, public transportation, or car. The address is 42 Royal Terrace, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand. There is limited on-street parking available in the vicinity of the house.

42 Royal Terrace, Dunedin North

As you step through the grand entrance of Olveston Historic Home, you are immediately enveloped in a rich tapestry of history and opulence. The polished wood floors creak beneath your feet, whispering secrets of generations past. The air is heavy with the scent of polished furniture and aged books, creating a sense of timelessness.

You make your way through the lavish drawing room, where ornate chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow over the exquisite furnishings. The plush velvet cushions beckon you to sink into their embrace, as if inviting you to linger and soak in the grandeur of a bygone era.

Moving through the corridors, you catch glimpses of family portraits adorning the walls - stern-faced ancestors staring down at you with a mix of pride and melancholy. Their eyes seem to follow you, their silent presence adding to the weight of history that hangs in the air.

As you climb the staircase, your hand trailing along the smooth, polished banister, you can almost hear the echoes of long-ago footsteps reverberating through the house. The soft rustle of silk skirts, the murmur of hushed conversations - it’s as if the past is alive and breathing around you.

Finally, you find yourself in the tranquil gardens, a sanctuary of greenery and blooms that offer a stark contrast to the imposing grandeur of the house. The scent of roses mingles with the earthy freshness of the surrounding trees, creating a symphony of fragrances that soothe the senses.

As you sit on a wrought-iron bench, the sun warm on your face, you can’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the lives that have unfolded within these walls. The joys and sorrows, the triumphs and tragedies - it’s all here, etched into the very fabric of Olveston.

And as you bid farewell to this magnificent historic home, a part of you lingers behind, intertwined with the memories of those who came before. It’s a bittersweet feeling, a sense of loss and longing, but also a deep appreciation for the beauty and legacy that endures through the ages.

Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin does not currently have audio descriptive guides or specific sensory-friendly hours. However, the staff at Olveston Historic Home are welcoming and accommodating to visitors with accessibility needs, so it is recommended to contact them directly to discuss any particular requirements or accommodations.

Nestled on the Otago Peninsula just outside of Dunedin, Olveston Historic Home offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its beautifully preserved Edwardian mansion. The home, built in the early 1900s for businessman David Theomin, is a testament to the wealth and sophistication of the time.

Local writers and artists have long been inspired by Olveston and its surroundings. The grandeur of the house, with its intricate detailing and opulent furnishings, has featured in numerous works of art and literature. The gardens, with their lush greenery and vibrant blooms, provide a tranquil setting for creative inspiration.

For many locals, Olveston holds a special place in their hearts as a symbol of the region’s rich history and heritage. The guided tours offered at the house allow visitors to learn more about the Theomin family and their lavish lifestyle, as well as the architectural significance of the building itself.

Visitors to Olveston Historic Home can immerse themselves in the elegance and charm of a bygone era, thanks to the dedication of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve this treasured landmark. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Olveston offers a unique and enchanting experience that captures the essence of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.

Transportation to Olveston Historic Home, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula:

- By Car: Olveston Historic Home is located at 42 Royal Terrace, North Dunedin, just a short drive from the city center. There is parking available on site for visitors. The Otago Peninsula can also be reached by car, with scenic drives and various attractions along the way.

- By Public Transport: The Dunedin bus network serves the city and its surrounding areas. Visitors can take a bus to a stop near Olveston Historic Home or the Otago Peninsula. Some buses are wheelchair accessible, but it’s recommended to check the schedules and accessibility options in advance.

- By Tour: There are tour companies in Dunedin that offer guided tours to Olveston Historic Home and the Otago Peninsula. These tours often include transportation and knowledgeable guides, making it a convenient option for visitors.

Ticket Booking and Discounts:

- Tickets for Olveston Historic Home can be purchased on their official website or at the entrance. Discounts are sometimes available for students, seniors, and group bookings. It’s recommended to check the official website for the latest ticket prices and any available discounts.

- Some tour companies may offer package deals that include admission to Olveston Historic Home and other attractions on the Otago Peninsula. These packages can provide cost savings for visitors who plan to visit multiple sites.

Local Amenities:

- Parking: Olveston Historic Home has a parking lot on site for visitors. There are also parking options available in the surrounding area.

- Restrooms: Restrooms are available at Olveston Historic Home for visitors.

- Dining Options: While Olveston Historic Home does not have a restaurant on site, there are dining options available in Dunedin city center and along the Otago Peninsula. Visitors with dietary needs can find restaurants and cafes that cater to various preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. It’s recommended to check with individual establishments for specific dietary requirements.

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