We really hope you will enjoy your stay at this historic Napier Homestead.
The house was built in the 1890s for the renowned New Zealand educator Henry Thomas Hill.
Henry Hill seated (right) beside his wife Emily, with their children.
Photograph of Bluff Hill, taken by William Williams between 1886-1895.
By all records, the house was regarded as a centre for the Napier social scene and witnessed many
garden parties for local dignitaries, family and friends.
In 1931, the devastating Napier earthquake saw the road that ran in front of Waimarie
and part of the gardens lost down the cliff to the road below.
Subsequently in 1933, Waimarie was purchased by Gerhard Husheer who was the founder and Managing Director of the National Tobacco Company in New Zealand. In 1924 Husheer had purchased the house opposite (The Master’s Lodge) where he had been captivated by the views since his first visit to Napier in 1890.
Husheer re-modelled and enlarged both houses in consultation with Louis Hay, an internationally renowned Art Deco architect.
With a lavish budget, the houses were fitted with expensive leadlight windows in elaborate Louis Comfort Tiffany designs of fruit and flowers. Art Deco styled additions feature throughout both The Master’s Lodge and Waimarie, with Charles Rennie Mackintosh stylized rose motif lead lights, carvings and appliques.
Husheer also purchased Cliff House immediately opposite Waimarie as a servants quarters. Additional land was also acquired, sloping down the hillside and out to a dramatic point overlooking the Pacific and Cape Kidnappers where a gazebo and retreat house were built.
The current owners, Rick and Judi Hopkinson, have owned Waimarie Homestead for over 30 years bringing up their four children, the two younger of whom were actually born in the house. They have carried out extensive renovations over this time, always with the view to keep the integrity and grandeur of the home, adding the swimming pool to reflect the shape of the Louis Hay addition to the back of the house.
Today you can enjoy being part of this historic adventure as Waimarie is a happy and inviting home. It has taken on a life of its own and enjoys sharing all that it has to offer.