The Lodge - History
Greenhill was once part of Maraekakaho Station comprising some 60,000 acres of land lying west of Hastings. In 1880 Archibald McLean, bought 3,300 acres of Maraekakaho, and named his property Greenhill after his old home in Tiree, in Scotland. In 1897 Archibald McLean married Mrs Lyons, a widow with three sons, and began building a substantial homestead on an imposing site commanding panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Greenhill was designed by George Sollitt (1834 - 1912) a Yorkshireman who set up practice in 1890. The architect, no doubt inspired both by the site and his client's aspiration to be lord of all he surveyed, designed a three-storeyed central viewing turret, which dominates the villa.
The gardens were designed by Alfred Buxton (1872 - 1950) a famous colonial landscape gardener from Christchurch. The garden features a notable pergola and a long landscaped drive. The great trees not only embellish the garden but also frame the house in a pleasing way.
Two historic days in the history of Greenhill fell on 5 and 6 February 1958, when Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother stayed in the homestead. Wishing to rest for two days during her tour of New Zealand, Her Majesty asked the New Zealand authorities arranging her tour for a stay in a home typical of early pioneering days. The Queen Mother's residence at Greenhill was marked by the raising of the Royal Standard from the tower.
Greenhill, owned by six generations of the same family, was sold in 2001. The new owners Neil Barber and Craig Hay have lovingly and painstakingly restored the house and gardens to their former magnificence. Greenhill now stands in 30 acres and operates as a luxury accommodation lodge in a tranquil setting in the heart of Hawke's Bay.
