It is with a deep sense of satisfaction that Grant Barron leaves Olveston and his 21-year management of the historic Dunedin house this week.
Mr Barron (65) will work his last day at the tourist attraction tomorrow.
As usual, he will walk from room to room, check the clocks and make sure everything is tidy and secure before putting out the lights.
"And then I'm out of here ... At this stage, I'm going to enjoy a good holiday."
Mr Barron became Olveston's first fulltime manager in 1991, having worked in banking and administration management.
He was drawn to the challenge presented by Olveston, which at the time was in "dire need of a lot of TLC".
There was "very little" money for the "huge" amount of work required, which included a leaking roof, Mr Barron said.
His first 12 years involved one repair project after another, funded by "assistance" until the 1906 home was able to make enough profit as a tourist attraction.
About $2 million had been spent on the property's repair, maintenance and day-to-day issues in the past two decades, Mr Barron said.
"I wanted to lift the standard of its presentation to the highest possible level we could get it. That was part of Dorothy Theomin's wish. She wanted the house to continue after her life and I've tried to hold true to that," he said.
Mr Barron was thankful for help from those who "convinced the city" Olveston was worth keeping, including John Borrie and Ted Friedlander.
He said Olveston would not be what it is today without its dedicated staff and past and present committee members.
About 18 months ago, he realised the hard work had paid off, Olveston's major challenges had been met and the house was in a good way.
As a business, it had a strong balance sheet and Mr Barron was happy to see it managed by "new energy".
"I have a lot of personal pride in being able to hand the house on, and it won't have the same struggles I inherited. It's in tip-top shape and the business is in good shape, too," he said.
Former Fortune Theatre general manager Jeremy Smith (41) has taken over as Olveston manager.
