Park at Vauxhall Yacht Club, then take a seat to admire the view, in between passing muggles, and bring a pen to sign the log. FTF gets a medal of sorts.
The large white building (often called The White House) on the nearby corner was constructed in 1880 for businessman and politician William Larnach (1833-1898), and was called the Dandie Dinmont named after William Larnach's favourite breed of dog, a terrier from the Scottish Borders. The building was never used for its intended purpose of a hotel (never licensed). Instead, it became Larnach's stopover: a place to stable his horses after the ride from the castle, before a ferry trip to the city, and an overnight retreat to share with close friends. It had 8 bedrooms and an impressive billiard room.
The Dandie Dinmont has historical significance as part of William Larnach and James Smith's vision of creating a new suburb on the Waverley hills, with access provided by Larnach's steamer the "Colleen" (named after one of his daughters). Caught up in the economic depression and the failure of the steamer service, the scheme foundered. In addition Larnach's wife Eliza died that same year (1880) drawing his attention and enthusiasm away from the project. The building was largely tenanted for remainder of the nineteenth century. Later known as Waverley House, it had its heyday under the ownership of the McKenzie and Stevenson family when it was known for its opulence.
By the mid twentieth century the property had declined, and from the 1970s onward the slow decay has continued unhindered. A verandah around the front of the building was lost in a storm in the 1960s.
The current owner has owned the building since 1969. In 2009 work was carried out to waterproof the building, including replacing the roof and removing rotten timber, but work stopped when a builder quit the project.
The house is an Historic Places Trust Category 2 listed building.
References: https://www.heritage.org.nz/list-details/7728/Listing ; www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/85084883/dunedins-infamous-white-house-due-for-extreme-makeover ; https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dream-dandie-dinmonts-future-labour-love ; https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/white-house-project-stalls
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On Labour Weekend 2024 (26-27 October), Dunedin will be hosting the next large gathering of geocachers in New Zealand. It's going to be an exciting opportunity for all geocachers to come together, learn and find more geocaches. Go to GCA7ZHD for more information and to register your intention to attend.
