Plunket founder's Wellington home up for lease

Truby King House. Photo / Wellington City Council

An historic Wellington home once owned by the original founder of Plunket is up for lease.

Today, the Wellington City Council announced they were searching for a potential tenant to lease the historically significant Truby King House.

The house is nestled away in a secluded area of the Truby King Park and neighbours one of Wellington's town belt walkways.

It takes its name from the founder of the Plunket Society, Truby King, who built the house in 1923. The area, including the house, gardens and mausoleum, was acquired by the council in 1990.

The council said the house could be the perfect location for a business operation or some residential use, including specialist healthcare, a study and research area, a bed and breakfast, a cafe, a boutique business, a high commission or embassy, or a function centre.

Botanic Gardens Manger David Sole said it was a once in a lifetime for someone to be associated with a unique part of New Zealand's heritage.

"The house provides amazing panoramic views of Wellington's south coast, eastern harbour, Orongorongo Ranges and beyond.

"Finding a long term sustainable use of the house and the preservation of the surrounding gardens are of the upmost importance to us and the Truby King House and Garden Trust."

He said if there were areas within the house that could be opened to the public on a managed basis, that would be an "added bonus".

Anyone interested in leasing the Truby King House could contact Mr Sole on 04 803 8296.