Olveston Historic Home

Olveston Historic Home Olveston was the home of the Theomin family. Built in 1906 is complete with the original contents, six tours daily. Dunedin New Zealand.

David Theomin wanted to build a substantial home that could house his growing collection of paintings and artefacts from all around the world. He intended that Olveston would eventually be left to his future generations to enjoy. Sadly this was not to be the case as both his children didn't have any children of their own. Designed by the acclaimed architect, Sir Ernest George of London. The buildi

ng of Olveston took two years to build (1904 to 1906) and was overseen by local architects, Mason & Wales. The house was gifted to the City of Dunedin upon the death of Dorothy Theomin in 1966. She had been the sole surviving family member since her father died in 1933. A Trust Board was set up called the Theomin Gallery Management Committee to manage the property as a public visitor attraction. Olveston is a time capsule and there has been little change since the house was occupied as a family home from 1906 to 1966 when Miss Theomin died. It is therefore an authentic and original historic house depicting the way of life of a well to do family in the early part of the twentieth century. We welcome your comments and discussion on our page. Please be polite and respectful with your comments and views. Any comments or posts which contain profanities are automatically blocked from our page and we may remove comments which are disrespectful, abusive or considered spam. This page is not to be used for electioneering – any election campaign related posts will be removed. Social media posts, messages and responses are records and may be retained under the Public Records Act. Personal data is subject to the DCC’s Privacy Statement – www.dunedin.govt.nz/privacypolicy

There are so many interesting and beautiful objects inside of Olveston that we, as guides get to see and share with visi...
29/11/2025

There are so many interesting and beautiful objects inside of Olveston that we, as guides get to see and share with visitors on a regular basis. Beyond the collections it is the quality of the materials and craftsmanship that the house boasts that never fails to impress me.

In particular, the thought and decoration given to some of the most functional elements are details that we rarely see in modern house construction. In the living areas of the house there are, of course, decorative crown mouldings and architraves, all expertly shaped from English oak (by joiners in London), and imported, then beautifully installed locally. Further inspection reveals the fittings and furniture on the doors and windows are often made from brass with intricate designs incorporated into the details. The call (for service) buttons, which can be found throughout the Theomin home, are mounted on metal plates in either copper, pewter or brass, to match the fire surrounding and accompanying tools, each with delicate patterns. The light switches too are given consideration to match each individual room with a range of different light fittings to suit their intended purpose.

The collaboration between architect and client must have been extensive to include so many components. The evidence of this also gives a sense of the expertise of the craftspeople and the quality of products that were available over 100 years ago. There are of course too many elements to mention in a single post but if you have an eye for detail and a love of things well-made come and enjoy a tour through this finest example of an Edwardian home. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Join us for one of our daily one-hour guided tours and discover the story of the Theomin family, their remarkable home, and what life was like in the early 1900s.

For a deeper look into the property’s design and craftsmanship, take part in our two-hour Architectural Tour, held on the third Tuesday of every month.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

You can check out more about Olveston by visiting our website: https://olveston.co.nz



Article prepared by Peter Marshall, Guide at Olveston Historic Home.

When the approach of the holiday season turns our thoughts to gift-giving we often feel a certain anxiety as we search f...
27/11/2025

When the approach of the holiday season turns our thoughts to gift-giving we often feel a certain anxiety as we search for the perfect present for the person who seems to have everything. Look no further! The Olveston Gift Shop has the perfect solution in the form of shoe cones. And what, you may well ask, are shoe cones? Shoe cones are cone-shaped, scented inserts for your shoes. Once upon a time, probably your grandmother’s time, they were in common use, but they are not to be obtained so easily now. Olveston, however, is delighted to stock shoe cones handcrafted exclusively for our Gift Shop by Amber of Rest & Restore in Middlemarch, just inland of Dunedin. They are an old-fashioned but extremely effective way to preserve the shape of your shoes and protect against odours. Each cone is infused with soothing botanicals inspired by traditional remedies. They absorb moisture and nasty smells while leaving a subtle scent of lavender derived from plants that Amber grows and harvests herself.

The cones come in a variety of printed cotton fabrics with patterns to suit all tastes. They are lined and secured with a satin bow. The inserts are designed to fit any size or style of shoe and won’t overstretch leather. They are lightweight for travel: pop them inside your shoes and avoid the annoyance of unpacking squashed, misshapen footwear when you reach your destination. Place them in your shoes whenever they are not in use, be this overnight, or for longer term storage, to maintain and freshen your footwear. Care for the cones themselves by storing them in a dry place and refreshing them with a drop or two of essential oil as necessary. Each pair of cones is smartly boxed, all ready for wrapping, and your search for just the right gift is done!

Come and browse in the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere of the Olveston Gift Shop, open from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily. 42 Royal Tce, Dunedin. Ph: 03 4773320.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

All who attended.
26/11/2025

All who attended.

Dunedin Historical Dance Committee who hosted the Jane Austen high tea.
26/11/2025

Dunedin Historical Dance Committee who hosted the Jane Austen high tea.

A huge thank you to all the wonderfully dressed Jane Austen fans who joined us for high tea on Sunday afternoon, you loo...
25/11/2025

A huge thank you to all the wonderfully dressed Jane Austen fans who joined us for high tea on Sunday afternoon, you looked amazing and made the event such a joy! 💐☕📚
And a big thank you to the University Book Shop for supporting the Jane Austen High Tea with a lovely prize and a beautiful book display. 💛

Hanging in the Upper Gallery, on the way to Dorothy’s Bedroom and Sitting Room, is a large picture that captures the dep...
22/11/2025

Hanging in the Upper Gallery, on the way to Dorothy’s Bedroom and Sitting Room, is a large picture that captures the departure, or perhaps the arrival, of groups of travellers setting out for distant places to begin new lives.

The original painting was created by the American artist G. H. Boughton (1833–1905), and later engraved by the British artist C. Mottram (fl. 1876–1903). The print bears both of their signatures, along with a third: “G. Morland 1792.”

This lovely black-and-white piece is a crayon engraving, enriched with roulette and stipple techniques.

It is possible that Boughton and Mottram collaborated to produce engravings inspired by Morland’s earlier work, though the exact relationship between the artists remains uncertain.

The artwork is part of Olveston’s wonderfully diverse collection, well worth exploring during one of our regular 2-hour Art Tours, which offer a closer look at these fascinating pieces or join one of our daily 1-hour guided tours and learn more about the Theomin family, their home and how they lived in the early 1900s.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

You can check out more about Olveston by visiting our website: https://olveston.co.nz



Article prepared by Vivienne Houston, Guide at Olveston Historic Home.

🎻 Aroha String Quartet Live at Olveston! 🎻Wednesday, 18 March 2026📍 Olveston Drawing Room⏰ Doors Open: 5:45pm | Performa...
21/11/2025

🎻 Aroha String Quartet Live at Olveston! 🎻

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

📍 Olveston Drawing Room
⏰ Doors Open: 5:45pm | Performance: 6:00pm
💵 $50 per person
🎫 Only 40 tickets available!

Don’t miss an intimate evening with the acclaimed Aroha String Quartet, praised for their “accomplished brilliance, soulfulness and sublime intensity” (The Dominion Post).

One of New Zealand’s leading chamber ensembles, the Aroha Quartet is known for its passionate musicality, technical mastery, and vibrant cultural fusion. Formed in 2004 and based in Wellington, the group features original members Haihong Liu and Zhongxian Jin, alongside Robert Ibell and Konstanze Artmann.

Their repertoire spans Western classical and avant-garde works through to traditional Chinese music, with performances across NZ and internationally (Austria, China, Australia). Recent tours have included collaborations with Rachel Vernon (2022) and Oleksandr Gunchenko (2024), with a major Schubert Octet performance coming in 2025.

The Quartet also leads international music academies and educational projects in NZ and China—bringing world-class music to communities everywhere.

🎟️ Limited seats—book now and be part of this unforgettable musical experience!
https://www.olveston.co.nz/visiting-olveston/events-calendar

A chocolatey treat is always a sure way to lift the spirts, and we are very happy at Olveston to now be sharing the deli...
20/11/2025

A chocolatey treat is always a sure way to lift the spirts, and we are very happy at Olveston to now be sharing the delightful cacao of Ka Kā Wā chocolates, proudly made locally in Waititi, using ethically sourced cacao beans from whanau grown throughout the Pacific.

Marōtini, the visionary behind this chocolate, imbues her brand deeply in community, care, ritual and Te ao Māori. Believing deeply in the healing properties of the cacao, both in body and soul, her chocolates are so much more than just a simple sweet treat.

In our selection we are offering 6 spectacular varieties. Firstly, we have the classic Ka Kā Wā Cacao in 70%, 80% and 85% for those of you looking for a darker chocolate fix. Next, we have 2 speciality flavours, Mahika Kai, and Celtic and NZ Sea Salt with Kelp. Mahika Kai is Ka Kā Wā’s take on the classic fruit and nut, using locally grown blackcurrant, raspberry and walnut to create a combination not to be messed with! Celtic & NZ Seal Salt of course is Ka Kā Wā’s classic salted chocolate offering, with an umami twist delivered by locally sourced Kelp.

Finally, Ka Kā Wā’s 100% Daily ritual cacao. This darkest of chocolate comes with instruction for a cacao ritual included in the back of every packet to give you the chance to immerse yourself in this grounding experience.

Come and select a block for yourself and enjoy all the richness this chocolate has to offer!

Browse in the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere of the Olveston Gift Shop, open from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily. 42 Royal Tce, Dunedin. Ph: 03 4773320.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

Outdoor pursuits were a regular part of the Theomin family’s activities. Trips to Aoraki/Mt Cook in 1907 and in 1911 be...
15/11/2025

Outdoor pursuits were a regular part of the Theomin family’s activities. Trips to Aoraki/Mt Cook in 1907 and in 1911 began a passion for the children, most especially for daughter Dorothy, who loved climbing and tramping for the rest of her life. Another destination was Lake Wakatipu where the family would stay at Paradise at the Lake’s head, surrounded by amazing river valleys and mountain ranges: places to explore and adventures to be had. There is a photo, taken in March 1911, of a group of people outside the door of the Ho**er Hut (Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park), showing David (seated centre) and Dorothy (far right) together with close friend and mountain guide Peter Graham (in the doorway). The photo was taken by Eleanor Joachim who was a friend of Dorothy.

Golf was played by Mrs Theomin and by Edward and Dorothy too. In the upstairs Sitting Room is a trophy inscribed with Dorothy’s name from the Otago Golf Club, New Zealand’s oldest. Dorothy also played hockey and tennis with friends, and both she and Edward would go horse riding. Dorothy rode side-saddle and straight on. Her horses competed at the races at Wingatui racecourse on the Taieri.

Dorothy was introduced to many sports at Roedean Girls School in England, which she attended for several years from 1902, and these continued to be part of her adult lifestyle.

Along with horse riding, tramping and mountain climbing Edward enjoyed simply walking. He and an old school friend, Colin Gilray, walked the Maniototo and all the way to Dunedin over one week in 1915. Edward also belonged to the Otago Motor Club.

Dorothy's adventures took her all over the West Coast as well as to the bottom of the South Island. She forded rivers on horseback, tramped many miles of bush and tracks, and climbed at least 46 summits in our Southern Alps. Around 4 to 8 weeks were spent in the mountains each year, so much of her life was engaged in pursuing her favourite outdoor activities.

The family definitely lived life to the full, making the most of all New Zealand offered.

Photo caption:
Dorothy and David outside Ho**er Hut.

Ladies Golf Championship at the Otago Golf Club: Dorothy seated on steps with clubs and Marie standing in the front row in a dark dress (Otago Witness, 15 January 1913).

Dorothy, Edward and Ethel Theomin on their horses in the early 1920s (unknown photographer, Private collection).

Edward Theomin's Sunbeam car.

Margery Blackman’s book: Dorothy Theomin of Olveston.

Come on one of our six daily 1-hour guided tours and learn about the Theomin family, their magnificent collection and how they lived in the early 1900s.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.



Article prepared by Vivienne Houston, guide at Olveston Historic Home.

It is always wonderful to be able to showcase local business and craftspeople in our store, and it is extra special when...
13/11/2025

It is always wonderful to be able to showcase local business and craftspeople in our store, and it is extra special when those businesses have a long and storied history of their own that we can share here at Olveston!

We are delighted then to bring to the store a collection from Henrietta’s Soaps. These soaps have been produced in Otago since 1984 but were made by Henrietta’s family for generations before hand.

Starting as a Queenstown Market stall, Henrietta sold her soap recipes to a Dunedin businessman in 1984. These soaps soon garnered local and national acclaim and were further brought by Dunedin Pharmacist Paul Larson in 2016. It is so lovely that these soaps began locally and have stayed in local hands after all these years.

We are now offering a great range of Henrietta products in our store. From the classic Honey and Seaweed soaps to a wonderful array of moisturisers, ointments and exfoliators for all skin types, you are sure to find something you will love amongst their products.

Come and browse in the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere of the Olveston Gift Shop, open from 9.00am to 5.00pm daily. 42 Royal Tce, Dunedin. Ph: 03 4773320.

Olveston Historic Home is an authentic historic experience in the heart of Dunedin.

LEITH ENSEMBLE IN CONCERTNow two performances - Due to popular demand we have added an extra performance in the Olveston...
12/11/2025

LEITH ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT

Now two performances - Due to popular demand we have added an extra performance in the Olveston Drawing Room on:

WEDNESDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER 2025

Monday, 17th November 2025,– SOLD OUT

Doors Open: 5:45 pm | Show Starts: 6:00 pm
Duration: 90 minutes (with short intermission)
Tickets: $50.00 per person | Limited to 40 seats

Join the Leith Ensemble for an unforgettable evening of rich musical storytelling, from the elegance of fin-de-siècle France to the vibrant soundscape of modern Aotearoa.

Performers:
Heleen du Plessis (cello)
Tessa Romano (mezzo-soprano)
Tessa Petersen (violin)
Sanaz Rezai (piano)

Programme Highlights:
Lili Boulanger – Clairières dans le ciel
Gabriel Fauré – Violin Sonata No. 1 in A major
Maurice Ravel – La Valse
Anthony Ritchie – He Moemoea & Song (with text by James K. Baxter)
Anton Arensky – Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor

Expect luminous harmony, expressive lyricism, and dynamic contrasts as this exceptional ensemble brings each piece to life.

Limited seating available! Secure yours today.
https://www.olveston.co.nz/visiting-olveston/events-calendar

11/11/2025

Come take a moment and relax around our magnificent grounds.

This time of year there is nothing lovelier than a stroll through our 5 star garden of national significance, so I thought I would bring you along on a particularly stunning day.

Come breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birdsong and enjoy the sun on your face!

We invite enjoy our gardens for yourself. Open everyday 9.00am- 5.00pm

Address

42 Royal Terrace
Dunedin
9016

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+6434773320

Website

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