Restoration journey to be outlined

The revamped front exterior of the 19th-century Paradise House, near Glenorchy. Photo by James...
The revamped front exterior of the 19th-century Paradise House, near Glenorchy. Photo by James Beech.
The five-year mission to transform the historic Paradise House, near Glenorchy, from a state of dilapidation into a welcoming visitor retreat, will be traced at the annual meeting of the Lakes District Museum committee this week.

Former Paradise Trust chairman Bill Dolan, of Arrowtown, will be guest speaker at the public meeting in the museum, tomorrow at 7.30pm.

Mr Dolan told the Queenstown Times he would give an illustrated talk about the challenges of the $930,000 project, which included two years of construction.

The motivation for the restoration and the steps taken, plus the Dolan family's involvement and Mr Dolan's own personal connection with the 127-year-old retreat would be discussed, he said.

Paradise House, built by New Zealand's first architect, William Mason, was officially reopened at a ceremony in late April.

The homestead contains two double, two twin and three single rooms and was made available for block bookings by the Paradise Trust.

Kiwi couple Daman and Mandy Groshinski are the full-time on-site managers of the property.

Mr Dolan said he stepped down as trust chairman after 10 years in the role, because of other commitments.

He continues as president of the Queenstown and District Historical Society and as a trustee of the Arrowtown Trust, the custodians of the historic miners' cottages.

The chairmanship of the Paradise Trust has reverted to Queenstown lawyer Tom Pryde, of Lake Hayes.

 

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