NZ visual diary - entry 101
The Braemar on Parliament Street
Built in 1901, The Braemar on Parliament Street is the only late Victorian townhouse in Auckland's city centre still used as a residence. The Braemar now operates as a bed and breakfast.
The establishment's website offers an insight into the residence's origins:
The name “Braemar” is a nostalgic reference to Braemar in Scotland where, in September every year, the clans meet for the gathering of The Braemar Royal Highland Society in a century old tradition.
The house was named by the first owner, Mr. John Russell Gray, who came to New Zealand from Rutherglen, Scotland. 1
In 1972, the Braemar was slated for demolition to make way for a new Auckland High Court building. The Braemar tenants and a neighbouring group of apartment residences responded by successfully challenging the demolition order in court.
The Braemar was bought by its current owners in 1994 and, after an extensive renovation project, the Braemar was reopened as a high-end bed and breakfast. The street on which The Braemar is located -- Parliament Street -- also has a rich history.
New Zealand's first parliament was built in the Constitution Hill district of Auckland after the city was named the new capital of New Zealand in 1841. The North Island city of Russell had served as New Zealand's colonial capital. In close proximity to Constitution Hill, Parliament Street likely derives its name from its location as an adjacent roadway.
In 1865, Wellington was named New Zealand's capital city and a new parliament building was built in Wellington. 2
Parliament Street today maintains its strategic location as both a thoroughfare contiguous with the University of Auckland's city centre campus and the site of Auckland's High Court. It also sits aside the Courtville Apartments, a residential complex of significant architectural importance. In a subsequent post, I will offer an image and commentary on Courtville.
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https://aucklandbedandbreakfast.com/braemar-history/
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/auckland-parliament-1859