Fascinating collection of domestic life memorabilia reaching back a 100 years. The unassuming house tells the story of all us. Built in 1881 by Joseph Brain. Occupied by one family for nearly 100 years and filled with original contents, the house offers an insight into the life of a middle class European family of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has many stories to tell, from the horse given shelter in the hall during the Tarawera eruption to the young couple separated by the First World War reunited and married in their 70s.“High cultural significance”, “unique”, and “intact” are some of the words used by conservation architects to describe the Brain Watkins House. It is one of six surviving single-family homes in New Zealand with the original contents predominantly intact and functions as a house museum.
The house is open to the public for viewing.
Heritage buffs check the Bay of Plenty art, craft & culture road trip for ideas.
