The property at 15 Cardigan St, Arrowtown. Photo by Virtual
Homes Photography.
A descendant of one of Otago's pioneering families has
left the entire proceeds from the sale of her Arrowtown home,
being auctioned later this month, to charity.
Verona Mary McGregor, who is understood to have died several
years ago, lived in Arrowtown most of her life and was a
descendant of the McGregor family, which owed John McGregor
and Co, the Dunedin-based company that built TSS
Earnslaw in 1912.
In her will, she left a substantial portion of her estate to
17 charities, with her three-bedroom, one bathroom home at 15
Cardigan St going to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the
Blind (RNZFB) Guide Dog Services - despite having had no
known affiliation with the charity.
The foundation was made aware of the donation when the house
was put into a trust many years ago.
A family member was able to live in the house under a "life
interest", but after that person's death earlier this year
the foundation was advised the house would be sold and it
would get the proceeds.
RNZFB supporter marketing and fundraising executive director
Alison Wheatley said she was unaware of any "specific
connection" to the foundation. However, it often received
legacies from friends or family members of New Zealanders who
were blind or had poor vision.
"They are often inspired by the help and support of the RNZFB
has been able to provide ... so it's their way of giving
back, " she said.
Bayleys Queenstown residential saleswoman Katharine Tomlinson
said the original 1970s weatherboard home, located in the
historic precinct of Arrowtown, had a 2011 rateable valuation
of $435,000.
The 579sq m property featured a carport, workshop and an
outdoor entertainment area, complete with a swimming pool.
Ms Tomlinson said it would be auctioned in Bayley's
Queenstown office on November 29 at 1pm.
All services for the auction had been donated, including the
sale commission and Bayleys would not be charging a fee for
the auction or marketing of the property.
Services had also been donated by Virtual Homes Photography,
Lakes Property Press and print media, including the Otago
Daily Times, which had given free advertising. Lakes
Environmental had also filled out a Land Information
Memorandum (Lim) report at no cost.
Ms Wheatley said no decision had been made on what the money
would be used for, it would go "where the need is the
greatest".
tracey.roxburgh@odt.co.nz
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