Faded elegance shines again

Extensive rot was uncovered as Alberton's restoration progressed. Photo / Supplied

A $355,000 restoration of the historic homestead Alberton in Mt Albert is nearly finished.

The job to paint the exterior and fix the roof is due to start next year.

Rendell McIntosh, Alberton's manager, said the work repairing the grand home's exterior and parts of its interior was nearing completion.

"What started in May is slowly coming to an end. The topping off of the turret is taking place and it won't be long till the restoration programme winds up for this part of the house. It has been quite an exercise.

"Fortunately we have encountered good weather conditions for the majority of the time. We will be looking spick and span from mid-October," he said.

The mansion's repair included stripping out rotten wood and repiling part of the house. Exterior balustrades were repaired, parts of the fretwork around the decks were replaced and Alberton's verandas were renovated.

Flooring in Alberton's ballroom had to be lifted to complete the work and the veranda was also opened up.

McIntosh said people would be able to see artefacts discovered during the repairs which were initially only meant to run during May and June.

"Our in-house stylist has just completed a display in the cabinet in the ballroom of items discovered under the house and parts of the damaged wood. We will leave the display up till the Christmas holidays so visitors can gain an appreciation of the repair programme," he said.

Alberton was built by Allan Taylor in 1863 and is one of only three Auckland properties owned by the Historic Places Trust.

The others are Ewelme Cottage and Highwic House.

Gordon Hewston, the trust's northern regional manager, said he was concerned about the extent of rot which was discovered during Alberton's repair. It was crucial to maintain the city's heritage buildings, he said.

More work is needed to bring Alberton up to scratch.

Hewston said a further $170,000 would cover the repair of its roof and the cost of painting the house and cleaning up the property.

Alberton, 100 Mt Albert Rd, is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.