Alberton, Mount Albert

Alberton began as a farmhouse in 1863 and was enlarged in the later 19th century to become an 18-roomed Kauri mansion with exotic Indian-style verandas and towers. Allan Kerr Taylor was a landowner, investor and provincial & local body politician. His wife Sophia was an outspoken advocate of the vote for women. Visitors today could be forgiven for thinking the family has just popped out for a while. When bequeathed to the public in 1972, the Kerr Taylor's descendants left the house furnished with a treasure trove of original artefacts. The mansion's past is brought back to life through regular public events; tea parties, concerts, exhibitions and workshops. A gift shop sells unique jewellery, home-wares, and souvenirs.