Discover how well endowed English settlers in colonial New Zealand lived. Rich furnishings, fittings and extensive gardens reflecting their wealth. Isel Homestead & Garden in Nelson, Stoke is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of prominent 19th century settlers. Isel house and garden is open to the public for viewing.
TOP SIGHTS – ISEL HOMESTEAD & GARDEN, NELSON
- Original 19th century high quality furniture
- Recreated original carpet design and wallpaper reflecting the tastes of the time
- Original Marden family acquired ceramic collections
- Views the layers of history from Victorian opulence to the modernist 1950’s on the house’s interior
- Massive stained glass skylight and ornate carved main staircase
- Rooms upstairs have been restored to their original use telling the story of the Marsden family
- Woodland 3 hectare garden known for its classic English style design and mature trees
- Summer Twilight market is a firm favourite for many visitors
Thomas and Mary Marsden arrived in the New Zealand colony in 1842. By 1848 the Marsden family owned 930 acres making them one of the Nelson provinces largest landowners. The majority of the Isel’s restoration was managed by the Isel House Charitable Trust under the supervision of curator Sally Papps. The House and extensive park grounds are now owned and managed by the Nelson City Council.
ISEL HOUSE OPENING HOURS
Several times during the week from Tuesday onwards in the summer months, check Isel House for details.
TWILIGHT MARKET VENUE – SUMMER MONTHS
Live entertainment
Food trucks
Glorious gardens to amble through
ISEL PARK (GARDEN), NELSON STOKE
Scroll through a copy of the ISEL PARK WALKING TRAIL and plan to stay a while in this glorious garden lovingly restored to its former glory … Start at the front of Isel House where a large Southern Magnolia has large creamy blossoms in late summer. This was planted c1865. Across the lawn is a traditional English Holly, a much loved evergreen for Christmas decoration despite its rather savage thorns … enjoy strolling through a woodland now with groves of trees over 150 years old. The six hectare woodland garden is a burst of spring bulbs and autumn a blaze of flame coloured leaves.
ISEL HOUSE & GARDEN LOCATION
ISEL house and garden is on the Nelson public bus network. Check online resource for details Replacing the current loop service, eBus OnDemand Stoke allows people to order a bus via a dedicated app or by calling 03 546 0200.
For visitors interested in heritage trails:
Three Gardens heritage walk through history (Nelson city)
Nelson city botanical hill to centre of NZ (Nelson city)
Historic cemeteries (Nelson city)
Nelson Provincial Museum (Nelson city)
Founders Park Museum (Nelson city)
Historic Golden Bay, Collingwood and surrounding district – Best Bits
Nelson Provincial Museum is a classic museum yet with contemporary exhibition places artfully narrating the story of Nelson and its taonga (treasures). The Museum is not a dusty relic; rather a place of discovery. The Nelson Provincial Museum dates back to the foundation of the Literary and Scientific Institution of Nelson in May 1841 and is one of New Zealand’s earliest museum collections.
One of New Zealand’s oldest galleries, The Suter has a collection that spans over 200 years, including early New Zealand art, 19th century watercolours, British Modernism, modern ceramics, and contemporary paintings, and presents a varied programme of exhibitions, events and education services. Open to the public every day from 9:30am to 4:30pm. The Suter complex also includes a theatre, cafe and shop.
View an outstanding art collection. Enjoy the enormous picture windows overlooking pools and garden features. The menu is classic contemporary cafe fare done well. The cafe is a perfect stop for a reviving coffee / tea after viewing the art. The gift shop is near the cafe’s atrium.
As the gallery is a major tourist attraction Suter Art Gallery Cafe can be a tad busy.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
