Time to party like it’s 1905 at Mona Vale

It’s time to party like it’s 1905 – and help raise money for one of Christchurch’s most iconic old buildings.

The historic bathhouse at Mona Vale Homestead in Fendalton was damaged in the earthquakes and has not been repaired.

Christchurch City Council has set aside some funding for the work, but it has been deferred until 2029.

So the Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens have stepped in to raise money for the restoration and host an ‘Edwardian garden party’ from 3-6pm on Sunday.

The ticket proceeds will go to the restoration of the bathhouse and include bubbles, canapes and croquet on the lawn.

Said city council botanic gardens and garden parks director Wolfgang Bopp: “We are very fortunate to have the support of the Friends and delighted that they are assisting in this project with a fundraising campaign.

“(Mona Vale) is a beautiful building and deserves to be restored to its former glory and the generous assistance of the friends’ campaign will mean this can happen sooner rather than later.

“We would very much like to bring that timeframe forward to prevent any further deterioration,” said Bopp.

The Mona Vale bathhouse, built between 1905 and 1914, was designed to replicate an Edwardian conservatory with an indoor swimming pool and rare collection of sub-tropical plants imported by wealthy heiress Annie Townend. 

She bought the property – known at the time as Karewa – for £6000 pounds in 1905, then changed the name to Mona Vale, added another nine acres and built two bridges and the gatehouse.

Mona Vale passed into public hands in 1969 when the Church of the Latter Day Saints tried to demolish and subdivide the ageing property. This led to a public outcry and the local councils agreed to purchase and restore it.

• Tickets to An Edwardian Garden Party at Mona Vale Homestead on Sunday, March 12, include bubbles, canapes and croquet on the lawn and can be purchased here.