Elmwood house

January 1899

The original Elmwood was built for Robert Rhodes (1815-1884) on the north side of Heaton Street near Circuit Street which was named for his wife, Sophia Circuit Latter. It was set back from the road amid large trees (possibly elms). On Rhodes' death, his son Sir Heaton Rhodes (1861-1956) took over the property and kept a small herd of red poll cattle on the land. The house was destroyed by fire in 1882 and rebuilt in 1884 as shown in this photograph. It was the venue for many garden parties and charity events and a holiday residence for Governors-General. It was eventually demolished in 1954 to make way for Heaton Intermediate School. Elmwood Park was gifted to the city by Sir Heaton

Area: North West / Merivale

Source: The weekly press, 18 January 1899, p. 8

Reference ID: CCL-KPCD06-022

Uploaded by: Christchurch City Libraries

Copyright status: Out of copyright