Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value W.S. Allen a native of Manchester, was actively involved in English politics and was a Member of Parliament from 1866 until he finally settled in New Zealand, in 1895. He had bought the first part of his Annandale estate in 1885 while visiting New Zealand, and the house, built in 1892, and the enlarged property provided for his sons in New Zealand. Despite his several trips to New Zealand, Allen maintained his interest in British politics, being re-elected to the Commons in 1891. He does not seem to have been resident at Annandale until 1895. His private resources enabled him to ensure that Annandale weathered the economic depression of the 1880s and 1890s. He became involved in New Zealand politics at both the local and national level. The property remains today in the Allen family.

Physical Significance

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: As an adaption of an English country house design to a New Zealand setting, Annandale is an important building. The verandah on the main elevation of the house is an acknowledgement of local climatic conditions. However, the house lacks an integration of architectural features, suggesting that it was designed by a gentleman architect rather than by a trained professional. This is a late example of the use of the hipped roof, a feature common in the 1830s. This is a rare example of the simple early roof form being revived in the late Victorian period. Annandale is an important example of a large country house of the 1890s and this adds to its significance. TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK SIGNIFICANCE: The house, with its surrounding trees and the avenue of chestnut trees to S.H.26, has considerable landscape value.