Couldrey House

Couldrey House

The early house was moved twice before being shifted to its present position, and has since been extended with a series of additions at around the turn of the century.

The house was extensively renovated by the last private owners, the Couldrey family, after whom it is now named.

Early owners

Robert Graham, the first European owner of Wenderholm, was one of Auckland's best known entrepreneurs and politicians. He was both a provincial and central government politician, and a pioneer in the tourism industry. Graham owned several hotels in the thermal regions of the Volcanic Plateau, and a large hotel complex at the Waiwera hot springs.

Between 1896 - 1919, the property was owned by Major John Whitney, founder of the Colonial Ammunition Company. Anabella Geddes bought the house and grounds in 1919 as a holiday home to enjoy with her children and grandchildren. In 1927 Wenderholm was purchased by 'Captain' Thomas Caradoc Kerry, a colouful and eccentric character, who lived almost as a recluse at the house until 1940.

Couldrey House gardens

The setting for Robert Graham's house was extensively planted with exotic trees during his period of ownership, and a number of these have survived. Robert Graham was a personal friend of Governor Sir George Grey, who owned nearby Kawau Island. Grey is thought to have provided Robert Graham with trees and plants from his extensive gardens at Mansion House on Kawau. Later owners have added to the planting around Couldrey House.

The trees associated with Wenderholm include significant examples of cork and holm oaks, Moreton Bay figs, coral trees, Caucasian fir, olives, bunya-bunya and others.

Getting there:

Couldrey House is in Wenderholm Regional Park and is signposted from the main carpark.