Home » History » New Zealand History » Olveston- time capsule of a lost era

Olveston- time capsule of a lost era

© Philippa Jane Ballantine

A home reflects those that built and lived in it, and Olveston is a prime example of this.

Dunedin in the 1880s was a hustling bustling city, the richest and busiest in the emerging nation. The gold-rush that was going on the nearby province of Otago was fuelling both business and settlement. Dunedin had been created by a sturdy core of Scottish settlers, but was ripe for others to move in and take advantage of this boom.

David Edward Theomin had been born in Bristol in 1852. He was the son of Joseph Benjamin-Theomin, a rabbi, and Esther Braham his second wife. Like many young boys of the nineteenth century, David was apprenticed at an early age into the mercantile trade- a business that was to make his fortune. In 1874 he followed his half brother to Melbourne in Australia, but when he made a journey to New Zealand in 1878, he obviously saw his chance. Back in Melbourne he married Marie Michaelis and moved with her to Dunedin. Marie was the eldest daughter of a wealthy Melbourne family, but she soon had her own home to look after. The newly weds bought a house on Royal Terrace in Dunedin in 1881, and lived in that original house for twenty years before beginning construction on what must have been the couples dream house- Olveston.

In the intervening years David had much to do. A man of considerable drive and energy he established his own mercantile company, his own piano importing business, and as well helped found the tannery at Sawyers Bay. It was these businesses that formed the family's wealth and security. Into this new life he had made were born his two children; Edward Moritz Theomin in 1885 and Dorothy Michealis Theomin in 1888. They were a generous, and public spirited family, becoming active in a variety of charitable works; they were great supporters of the arts in Dunedin, heavily involved with forming the Plunket Society dedicated to children and their mothers, and gave many years of service to Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society. Of course their most lasting gift work was Olveston itself.

In all of New Zealand there are few such homes open to the public. Olveston is wonderful treasure that has sometimes been overlooked in favour of Larnach Castle (though this too is well worth visiting and will be dealt with in a later article).

Olveston is nestled against the protected area of trees called the Town Belt. Though it is created in red brick, none of this is visible, being totally covered with the beige gold of Moeraki pebbles and the creamy white Oamaru stone used in the crenallations and windowsills. The effect is unique and striking.

The copyright of the article Olveston- time capsule of a lost era in New Zealand History is owned by Philippa Jane Ballantine. Permission to republish Olveston- time capsule of a lost era in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.