Greenhill Lodge History
Greenhill, owned by six generations of the same family, was lovingly and painstakingly restored in 2001 to its former elegance. Greenhill now stands in 73 acres and operates as a Homestay lodge in a tranquil setting in the heart of Hawke’s Bay.
1880
Archibald MacLean
Greenhill was once part of Maraekakaho Station comprising some 60,000 acres of land lying west of Hastings. In 1880 Archibald MacLean ( 1844 – 1929), bought 3,300 acres of Maraekakaho, and named his property Greenhill after his old home in Tiree, in Scotland. In 1897 Archibald McLean married Mrs Lyons, a widow with three sons, and began building a substantial homestead on an imposing site commanding panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
From left: Jim Lyons, Mabsie Hislop, Mund (Edmund) Lyons, Jean Williams, Archibald McLean, Laurel (on rocking horse, possibly McLean’s grand-daughter). Woman in light coloured blouse: Mrs Lyons (Wife of Edmund Lyons) Man in front, on wicker chair: Jack Lyons
Credit: Group at Greenhill, Hawke’s Bay. Hislop, Harold Stevens, d 1933 :Photograph albums. Ref: PA1-o-228-21-1. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23112329
1872
Alfred Buxton
The gardens were designed by Alfred Buxton (1872 – 1950) a famous colonial landscape gardener from Christchurch.
The garden features a notable pergola and a long landscaped drive. The great trees not only embellish the garden but also frame the house in a pleasing way.
Panoramic view of the garden at Greenhill station, Hawkes Bay, taken between 1923 and 1928 by R P Moore of Wellington. Garden designed by Alfred Buxton about 1919. National Library Government Records
1958
Queen Elizabeth
Two historic days in the history of Greenhill fell on 5 and 6 February 1958, when Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother stayed in the homestead. Wishing to rest for two days during her tour of New Zealand.
Her Majesty asked the New Zealand authorities arranging her tour for a stay in a home typical of early pioneering days. The Queen Mother’s residence at Greenhill was marked by the raising of the Royal Standard from the tower.
