Hathaway House has history

By Leon Gray-Lockhart
BUILT in 1896, the house now known as Hathaway House has had a succession of owners and Bert van Veen, like his predecessors, has had his own special touches to it.
"Bert has really given a personality to Hathaway House and has really put it on the tourist map," said friend and colleague Monica Maritz, a natural therapist who has been running her clinic from a house on the grounds.
"He built a stage and ran three successful 'Jazz on the Lake' concerts here."
Bert has also enjoyed running his boutique bed and breakfast business at the house, as well as hosting weddings and other private events on the grounds.
"I have met a lot of people from all over the world Britain, Germany, Switzerland. Everybody has always been very impressed with the older, traditional, well-kept style of the house," said Bert.
He has also helped to raise its Qualmark rating, and made advertising the venue a priority in his business, building new gates and new road signs.
Situated on four hectares, the house itself was built in 1896 by Mr Webster, who evidently ran out of money building the four bedroom, two bathroom mansion. Some sources suggested he was married to the niece of successful pioneer businessman, Newton King, while others say he simply worked for him.
Early recollections of the house indicated that there were servants' quarters to the rear as well as stables. It was said that in the house's early years, those stables were the occasional venue for some great parties.
From 1925, it was owned by Joe Keller who sold the property onto Alf and Belle Barlow in 1936, and it remained in that family's care until 1973.
Prior to ownership by the Barlows, the area surrounding the property was planted out with almost every variety of British tree known and a tennis court lay to the side.
However, much of it had become overgrown and Mr Barlow cleared it and ran sheep off the property immediately surrounding the house.
Kip Harris became the new owner in 1973 and renamed the property 'Kija Lodge'.
For 30 years, the property was bought and sold regularly until Bert sold up his farm in Wiremu Road, Opunake and took it over four years ago.
Bert has always enjoyed his work at Hathaway House and has been very pleased with the progress of the business.
However, because of his own deteriorating health, maintaining the grounds and running the business have become more and more difficult for him and he has decided to sell.
"I am sad to leave as it really is the end of an era. However, I am looking forward to having time to relax and enjoy myself."
Because of his health problems, Bert has had to put a hold on plans for another 'Jazz on the Lake' event this year.
"I have always got a lot of pleasure out of having people stay here but, I'm looking for a quiet life now," said Bert.