Olveston Historic Home, Dunedin, New Zealand

Olveston was designed for David Theomin by
London Architect, Sir Ernest George, (1),
and built between 1904 and 1906.
The Jacobean style, grace and grandeur of Olveston
is distinguished by a wealth of decorative detail.
All thirty-five rooms at Olveston tell a story
of a gracious age.
The home is sited in the inner city and is
within walking distance from the city centre,
being built on an acre and surrounded by garden.

Olveston reveals elaborate furnishings, fire places and stained glass feature windows.
The architect's attention to detail will delight the discerning.
Brass lock plates, elegant door hinges, window catches and openings,
taps and original light fittings and switches all add to the feeling of discovery.

David Theomin and his family travelled extensively and lavished their home
with irreplaceable artifacts and priceless treasures.
Bronze, cloisonné and ivory from Japan and Chinese jade and ceramics reflect
David Theomin's interest in decorative art from East Asia.
Some 240 paintings and graphics grace the rooms.
Olveston has only ever had one family in residence.
Miss Dorothy Theomin, the sole surviving member of the family,
died in 1966 and the property complete with all its contents,
was passed into the care of Dunedin City.

Olveston has found a special place giving visitors a glimpse
of a lifestyle long gone and one that can never be recreated.
It opens an unparalleled time capsule.
Visitors are able to reflect on the lifestyle as they move through
the 21 rooms open for viewing during the course of the
one hour guided tour.