The way their grandfolks were

Hidden behind high hedges in Newmarket lies an opportunity to experience life from days gone by, in a house that time forgot. Rebecca Blithe pays a visit.
In the grand old ballroom of historic Highwic, Felix McDonugh is told to kick off his Crocs as he's fastened into a pair of britches.
Felix, 10, and five Newmarket Primary classmates bustle about the stately room trying on hats, the girls striding about in floor-length dresses, for an afternoon of Victorian games on the estate's manicured lawn.
"Normally, games means board games to me,'' says Felix, affixing a top hat. "But these are pretty old-fashioned,'' he says of the croquet hoops and mallets, and the rope-rings known as quoits, to be tossed over a peg.
Appearing from one of the many rooms in the house, dressed in a floor-length skirt and stiff blouse, Highwic manager Cheryl Laurie escorts the children outside.
"Shall we play croquet?'' she asks as they bound across the sun-drenched lawn.
As Ms Laurie explains, the somewhat eerie Carpenter Gothic-style house is no stranger to little feet.
Built in 1862 for one of Auckland's most acquisitive landowners and business leaders, Alfred Buckland, Highwic was home to the English immigrant and his 21 children.
"Thirteen of them were born in this house. So it's really a family home and we want to bring it to life again as a space for children,'' says Ms Laurie.
In 1978, the unique estate was bought jointly by the then Auckland City Council and the Historic Places Trust. Overlooking a suburb best known as a shopping destination, it is
often forgotten about, says Ms Laurie.
However, in the coming months, Highwic will host "Victorian Sundays'' for families - in period costume if they so desire - traditional games, including croquet, sack races and a
house-and-garden hunt.
Old-fashioned morning and afternoon teas will be served in the billiard room with the option of picnicking on the lawn.
"It's such a nice, green space that's hidden away in the heart of Newmarket. We really want to encourage more children and families," says Ms Laurie. "It's the history of the house; we want to create interest in its conservation. And it's a different space experience for kids these days.'' 
Victorian Sundays
March 27, April 24, May 29. Further dates to be set. Information or bookings,
email: highwic@historic.org.nz or ph 524 5729.