Glen Aros Homestead
This original Californian-style homestead was designed by well-known Hawke’s Bay architect, Albert Garnett, in 1914 on the Glen Aros Country Estate. Over the years, the homestead had been subject to some detrimental alterations and a complete internal remodelling with appropriate external modification was undertaken to meticulously retain the gracious external architectural design, but modifying the interior to suit present day living. All aspects were designed in the traditional aesthetic of the American-style bungalow, using carefully selected native New Zealand timbers of Rimu and Matai for the floors, doors and bay windows. Colours, finishes and lighting were sensitively selected to relate to the period. A large building housing a Rimu-panelled billiard room, bar and recreational facilities was designed to the compliment the bungalow. The homestead and garden building are linked with a timber pergola – this in conjunction with a swimming pool designed to enhance the natural beauty of the garden and extensive landscaping, completes this very special development. The restoration of Glen Aros has been acknowledged with awards from the New Zealand Institute of Architecture and the Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Trust.