“Mahara is one of a pair of elegant timber mansions in Dunedin designed by E.W. Walden in 1905 and built for prominent businessman Andrew Lees’ daughters. Of enormous aesthetic appeal, architectural grandeur and historical associations, Mahara makes a significant contribution to our understanding of turn-of-the-century residences and Dunedin’s elite.”
This opening statement from Heritage New Zealand – Pouhere Taonga beautifully encapsulates the importance of preserving Dunedin’s architectural heritage. And now, this could be your opportunity to become the next custodian of Mahara — a name that means to remember or to recall.
Beyond its historical significance, Mahara is a warm and welcoming family home. With five-plus bedrooms, a gracious drawing room, a relaxed family room, and a kitchen designed to bring everyone together, this residence offers the perfect blend of grandeur and comfort. Built with meticulous craftsmanship from solid timbers and crowned with a slate roof, every detail speaks of enduring quality and care - preserved lovingly for the next generation.
Modern living has been seamlessly integrated, with a central diesel-powered heating system, heat pump in the family room, and underfloor heating in the family bathroom - ensuring year-round comfort for the whole family, and guests alike.
The sweeping staircase leads to a magnificent stained-glass window designed by Robert Fraser (1868–1947) — one of New Zealand’s earliest and most skilled stained-glass artists. This exquisite feature, with its intricate artistry, provides a timeless connection to the home’s rich history and craftsmanship.
On a practical note, the home offers two bathrooms, a separate toilet, and a highly functional laundry that easily caters to the needs of a busy household. Three garages provide ample parking and storage options, while the enchanting garden offers private nooks for reflection and relaxation.
Surrounded by established plantings - including roses, hydrangeas, lilies, mature horse chestnuts, and a magnificent beech - the grounds mirror the grace and stature of the home itself.
Mahara is more than just a residence - it’s a living piece of Dunedin’s story. A place of beauty, history, and heart, waiting for its next chapter to be written by someone who will treasure it as deeply as those who came before.
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