Broadgreen Historic House

Broadgreen Historic House is a must-visit attraction in Nelson, New Zealand.

This historic two-story cob cottage was built in 1855 for Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Buxton and their six daughters. In 1901, the house was sold to Fred Langbein, whose family lived in the house until 1965 when it was bought by the Nelson City Council. Broadgreen is the largest house of its type open to the public and is an excellent example of colonial cob construction.

Broadgreen Heritage House features a significant textile and period costume collection, including a quilt made in Ireland in 1776, which is one of New Zealand's oldest. The house also has some of Nelson's early pioneer gowns and accessories. Broadgreen houses many items that give visitors a glimpse of Nelson's colonial beginnings. The house has been furnished and restored to represent a colonial home of the Victorian era, making it one of Nelson's most iconic heritage experiences. The house has eleven rooms that have been faithfully and elegantly furnished to represent a lived-in family home of the Colonial Victorian Period. Apart from replacing some of the floors and converting an upstairs bedroom to a bathroom, no major changes were made to the house by the Langbeins.

Broadgreen Historic House is a New Zealand tourism award winner bestowed in 1978 for Authentic and Meritorious Restoration. Visitors can enjoy helpful guides and lots of information in the house, and the garden is also very nice. The volunteer guide is very informative, and visitors can get a good insight into the past lives of our ancestors. It is recommended for historic buffs. The house is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the Samuels Rose Garden in full bloom, which is the star of Among the Roses each November.

In conclusion, Broadgreen Historic House is a fascinating attraction that offers a glimpse into Nelson's colonial beginnings. Visitors can enjoy a significant textile and period costume collection, including a quilt made in Ireland in 1776, and some of Nelson's early pioneer gowns and accessories. The house has been furnished and restored to represent a colonial home of the Victorian era, making it one of Nelson's most iconic heritage experiences.