From infectious disease hospital to party flat

An historic Dunedin building which has gone from housing disease-ridden patients to hosting raging student parties is up for sale for only the second time in its history.

Once home to the Pelichet Bay Infectious Disease Hospital, it is now known as ‘Lake House’ and is a student flat known for hosting large parties.

The Butts Rd, North Dunedin property, which is listed for sale by Ray White Real Estate, is listed as a New Zealand "Category 1 Historic Place".

A party at what is now known as 'Lake House'. Photo: Supplied
A party at what is now known as 'Lake House'. Photo: Supplied
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust report on the property said the hospital began accepting patients in 1908, to accommodate those struck by serious communicable illnesses during 19th century epidemics.

Now accommodated by 14 male students, the residents have been assured that they should not be affected by the sale of the historical property.

Resident Matt McCaw, said he and his flatmates were very aware of the flat's previous history as a hospital and sometimes used this to “spook” visitors.

“Our landlord was very keen to make us understand how valuable the building is to New Zealand history and I’m sure she gets very nervous when we hold some of the biggest parties of the year” he laughed.

The Butts Rd, North Dunedin property, which is listed for sale by Ray White Real Estate, is...
The Butts Rd, North Dunedin property, which is listed for sale by Ray White Real Estate, is listed as a New Zealand "Category 1 Historic Place". Photo: Supplied
“But all jokes aside, it is a very respected building by all of us.”

The property is split into two lots.

The first includes the building and the second is a vacant lot, where there had been a previous proposal to build six units.

By Estelle Schuler

Comments

Locals knew it as the Fever Hospital.

 

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