Top ten finish for Olveston in awards

Olveston manager Jeremy Smith stands in the drawing room of the popular visitor attraction, where...
Olveston manager Jeremy Smith stands in the drawing room of the popular visitor attraction, where musical tours and recitals on the Steinway piano highlight the musical history of the Theomin family. Photo by Brenda Harwood.
Dunedin's Olveston has been named as one of New Zealand's top 10 landmarks in the Trip Adviser 2013 Traveller's Choice Awards.

Compiled by the international website from the recommendations of millions of travellers worldwide, the awards also ranked Olveston as Dunedin's second-best attraction after the Otago Peninsula.

''Dunedin's arts and culture have done well in the awards, which come through word-of-mouth from the travellers themselves,'' Olveston Historic House manager Jeremy Smith said.

The awards are divided into a range of categories, including ''best'' hotels, restaurants and attractions, which include landmarks, museums, parks and amusement parks.

The Olveston experience was valued by visitors for its authentic collection of art, antiques and domestic items owned by the Theomin family, who gifted the house to Dunedin city in 1966, he said.

''The house is full of stories, which are told by our guides as they show visitors the fantastic collections,'' Mr Smith said.

The high rating for Olveston as an attraction was a tribute to the knowledge and passion of the staff and volunteers, he said.

As part of its ongoing efforts to highlight aspects of the Olveston collections, music lovers are being offered the chance to experience House Music Tours and Recitals. These tours focus on the Theomin family's connection to Dunedin's arts and culture, which is revealed through artefacts and intriguing architectural details within the house - such as the dining room windows, which depicted musical instruments, Mr Smith said.

David Theomin started the Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing Agency and Company in 1884, which was renamed the Bristol Piano Company during World War 1. A keen musician and singer, Mr Theomin was a pianist of note and a life member of the Royal Dunedin Male Choir.

To celebrate the fact that musical recitals have been held at Olveston for more than 100 years, the House Music Tours also include a recital on the drawing room Steinway by a resident pianist.

The next House Music Tour of Olveston will be held on Wednesday, July 10, from 12.30pm to 2pm, with another tour planned for July 31. Private recitals can also be arranged for groups.

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