Longwood

Longwood is a brick mansion built in Scottish-baronial style by architects John Sydney Swan and W. Gray Young in South Featherston. The property includes some of New Zealand's oldest farm structures alongside formal gardens with distinctive trees.

The estate was rebuilt following a fire in 1905, with the current building completed in 1906. The original house from 1857 belonged to Henry Bunny before it was destroyed.

The gardens display a mix of English specimen trees and native totara trees planted by earlier owners. Visitors can explore how this blend of foreign and local plantings reflects early 20th-century garden design choices.

The site sits on Longwood East Road in South Featherston and maintains its original architectural elements through ongoing care. Visitors should allow time to explore both the main house and the older farm buildings on the grounds.

The estate's name comes from cuttings brought from Napoleon's former residence on Saint Helena. Henry Bunny's brother, General Arthur Bunny, brought these plant specimens, giving the place an unexpected connection to this famous historical location.

Location: South Wairarapa District

Inception: 1906

Architects: John Sydney Swan, W. Gray Young

Address: Longwood East Road, South Featherston, Featherston 5771

GPS coordinates: -41.13825,175.34127

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:26