This romantic timber mansion began as a farmhouse in 1863 and was later expanded to 18 rooms, with fairy-tale decorative verandahs and towers. It was owned by the Kerr Taylors, a leading family in Mount Albert, until it was left to the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in 1972. Allan Kerr Taylor was a landowner, investor and provincial and local body politician. His wife Sophia was an outspoken advocate of the vote for women, as well as a singer, gardener and mother of 10. She ran the estate for 40 years after her husband’s death, with her three unmarried daughters running it for a further 40 years.
Alberton was famous in the 19th century for its balls, hunts, garden parties and music. It contains a wealth of original family furniture and other possessions, and several rooms retain their 19th century wallpapers.
Alberton welcomes volunteers of all ages to help now and into the future. Your help will be especially valuable during Alberton's 150th anniversary celebrations during 2013-2014.
If you have time to join the team doing jobs such as hosting visitors, household tasks, cleaning, dusting, helping with school groups, tea parties, functions, weddings or gardening, please contact us as soon as possible. We need people who can help at least one morning or afternoon per fortnight. Contact us and we will send you an application form.
Volunteer training sessions will be held on Wednesday 30 May, Thursday 31 May and Saturday 2 June 2012.
Penny Reason
Visitor Services Coordinator
tel: (09) 846 7367
email: alberton@historic.org.nz