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Katherine Mansfield Birthplace |
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| Katherine Mansfield Birthplace |
Katherine Mansfield Birthplace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wellington. To understand the significance of the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace, it is important to know in brief about Kathleen Mansfield Beauchamp herself. She was born on 14th October, 1888 at Tinakori Road, Thorndon, Wellington. The outward appearance of the house has surprisingly changed very little over years. It is still almost the same as it was in her day, a square wooden structure with a painted corrugated-iron roof.
The house which was Katherine Mansfield Birthplace was originally owned by Sir Charles Clifford but was built for Mansfield's father, Harold Beauchamp. Her father was an aspiring young merchant who was to become a successful businessman and later knighted for his services to commerce and banking.
At the front of the house, there was a square lawn, with arum lilies growing rank as weeds. At the back fence stood on the brink of a bushy gully running down to the sea. A view of the harbor could be enjoyed from the upper story of the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace. This gully, crossed by a suspension foot-bridge from Hobson street.
Three generations of the Beauchamp family lived jointly in this house from 1888 to 1893. The dining room window of the house had a square of colored glass at each corner. The glasses were one blue and one yellow.
Architecture of Katherine Mansfield Birthplace
The frontage of the building is regular and remarkably devoid of beautification. The lack of ornamentation may be due to the fact that the house was constructed during the early 1880's depression. The materials of the building consist of rusticated weatherboards, with corrugated iron roofing. The window of the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace surrounds mimic stone detailing - columned pilasters are capped by a triangular pediment.
The entire house has been authentically and painstakingly restored and furnished. The antique furniture and replicas of the original wallpapers create an authentic atmosphere in keeping with the family's social status and era.
How to get to the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace:-
The Katherine Mansfield Birthplace is a 10 minute walk from Parliament Buildings or Old St Pauls. You can also take the bus no 14 Wilton that stops nearby in Park Street.
For more information on Katherine Mansfield Birthplace, visit travel.mapsofworld.
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