In 1930 GR Hudson of Dunedin’s Hudson biscuit manufacturing dynasty built a five-bedroom, two-storey brick home for his family to live in.
On the site of the cookhouse of the original Mount Royal estate, in Palmerston, Otago, property records indicate that it bounded the Waikouaiti farm of renowned early settler Johnny Jones.
Meticulously preserved and maintained in harmony with its original design, the house, which sits on 3452 square metres, has been the home of Jo and Trevor Studholme since 2001. They are now offering it for sale.
Jo was brought up in the district.
“I always admired the homestead. My parents lived here for many years. It’s a spacious, comfortable home with plenty of room for family and well set up for entertaining. It really comes into its own when we have a few guests.”
Framing the fireplace, unique stained-glass windows with matching his and hers crests are believed to have been imported from London; while a stairwell brought from Ardleigh, the Hudson’s previous Dunedin home, ensures that the homestead retains much of its original grandeur.
Original features, including identical matching wardrobes and sets of drawers for the Hudson family’s three young boys stand out. In keeping with the original features, the splendid beveled-glass bookshelves in the foyer were added more recently.
Offering the homestead as a bed and breakfast, Jo and Trevor have previously hosted guests, including repeat visitors from overseas, as well as regularly accommodating visiting friends and family.
“Being so handy to Dunedin is ideal. We are at the gateway to Central Otago, and just a short drive to wonderful beaches and the Moeraki boulders. Although we intend to downsize, we don’t plan to move far,” says Jo.
Offered for sale by Paul Thomson of PGG Wrighston Real Estate, Dunedin, the house includes a family living area, a formal lounge, formal dining area, three bathrooms, four toilets and a double garage.
Established gardens are in keeping with the age of the homestead. An astro turf tennis court added by the Studholmes receives rowdy and enthusiastic use when all the family have been home for holidays.
Paul Thomson says the property is a classic of its kind.
“Although approaching 100 years old, it was built to last in an era when that carried more weight than it tends to nowadays. Consequently, it has stood the test of time and doesn’t require an undue amount of maintenance.”
Details such as beams, wood panelling, the stained-glass windows and the fireplace surrounds are all authentically aligned with the origin of the house. A large bath and a scullery, dating back to when the Hudson family employed a maid, are also original features.
“While definitely of its era, it is comfortable and easy to live in, either as a family home, or with a view to increasing its scope to provide accommodation or host functions,” he says.
Adjacent and also for sale, either together with the homestead or separately, is the Mount Royal station woolshed, originally comprising 19 stands, which sits on an 11.76-hectare title.
Richard Hudson founded a biscuit factory in Dunedin in 1868. His company grew rapidly, merging with others to become Cadbury Fry Hudson in the 1930s, making biscuits and confectionery. Cadbury ceased manufacturing in Dunedin in 2018. The first owner of the homestead GR Hudson was Richard Hudson’s grandson.
Born in Sydney, Johnny Jones first came to New Zealand as a whaler in 1835. Dealing with Ngai Tahu, he subsequently bought large blocks elsewhere in the South Island, and took to pastoral farming, as well as trading and shipping. One of Otago’s foremost pioneers and most successful early businessmen, he died in 1869.
View the listing online > Click here.
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