Olveston
A slice of grand Edwardian life
Built for the wealthy Theomin family who lived here from 1906, Olveston has been loved by visitors since it was gifted to the City of Dunedin in 1966.
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The Olveston story
Olveston is an authentic and original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century.
Olveston offers a full social history experience. The Jacobean house itself, its art and artefacts, and its original owners, are historically significant.
The Theomin family
Olveston takes its name from the village near Bristol where David Theomin had spent his childhood holidays. David, Marie and their children Dorothy and Edward lived in the 35-room mansion for 60 years. They were actively involved in the Jewish congregation and Ōtepoti Dunedin society, were patrons of music and the arts, and had success in their business ventures especially importing and selling pianos. In the absence of an heir, the house was left to the city by Dorothy on her death.
Architectural opulence
Designed by acclaimed English architect Sir Ernest George, Olveston was built as a family home furnished with fine art, furniture and artefacts purchased from all around the world.
The house has 35 rooms (including a vestibule, hall, drawing room, bedrooms, billiard room, card room (or Persian room), kitchen, scullery, butler’s pantry, library and dining room) with a total floor area of 1276m2. A galleried atrium through the ground and upper floors forms the Great Hall, which served as a ballroom.
Materials from near and far
The London firm of Green & Abbott were responsible for much of the interior design, including the English oak joinery. The original wallpapers were manufactured in Buffalo, New York and selected by the Theomins on one of their trips to America.
The exterior walls of Olveston are constructed of brick and plaster with a Moeraki gravel finish and faced with Ōamaru stone, finished with Marseilles roof tiles.
A time capsule
Opened as a historic house museum in 1967, Olveston is a time capsule as little has changed inside the house since it was occupied as a family home between 1906 to 1966.
Olveston is proudly cared for and operated by Dunedin City Council.
What you can see and do at Olveston
An immersive house museum experience
Join a lively one-hour tour of the domestic quarters and living areas where the Theomin family displayed their fine art, furniture and artefacts collected from around the world (fee applies).
Visitors experience a lived-in atmosphere, rather than a traditional museum collection. Walk through the kitchen and domestic areas downstairs and marvel at the many modern conveniences which were luxuries at the time, including central heating, internal telephone system, service lift, food mixer, and electric toaster. Then step up and into the life where the Theomin family lived with their fine furnishings, china and significant artworks.
Wander the impressive garden
Meander through the winter garden with its tropical plants, and check out the family motor car, a 1921 Fiat 510 Tourer.
Come for a special event
Olveston offers a programme of events and special tours throughout the year. Visit the Olveston events page for what's on.
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