Fairfield House

Fairfield as we know it today, was built by the Atkinson family from 1872-1883. Arthur Samuel Atkinson was a prominent lawyer, active in business and politics. Jane Maria (nee Richmond) was active in the suffragette movement and promoted education for girls. As Unitarians they were progressive thinkers and involved in the cutting edge of early New Zealand politics. Their home was an important centre for the community.

The distinctive tower at the west end of the building was originally built to mount a large telescope to cater for Arthur’s hobby of astronomy. The house was lived in by the Atkinson family until 1922 when the property was passed to the fledgling Nelson Girl’s College who used it as a prep school and boarding house. From 1930, Nelson Boys College used Fairfield House as a boarding house. Generations of New Zealand youngsters knew it as their home away from home. By 1976 the students had gone to new hostels, a fire had destroyed the accommodation block and the house became derelict. A demolition order was about to be issued by the local city council in 1979.

Fairfield House was saved from certain demolition by the actions of Alan Stanton and Friends of Old Fairfield (FOOF). At the eleventh hour, Alan’s drastic and bold actions raised regional attention to the plight of Fairfield and a group formed which was dedicated to the restoration and development of Fairfield as a community asset.

Today Fairfield House is once again the pride of Nelson. Community energy continues to develop a centre for the city that is a loved and living venue for corporate, private and public sectors.

Fairfield has a seven acre woodland around the house. This woodland was initially planted by Neil McVicar in the early 1850’s and extensively added to by the Atkinson family in the 1870s.

In addition to saving the house, FOOF has dedicated its energy to maintaining the 7 acre woodland. Old trees have been pruned and heritage trees have been registered. New trees have been planted, and a system of walking tracks has been made through the reserve. This is open to and is enjoyed by the public.