Karori Homes - Chesney Wold - Full Photograph page

Chesney Wold - From the front paddock circa 1900

Built by Stephen Lancaster as a second home for his family and later leased by Sir Harold Beauchamp this became the second home of New Zealand author Katherine Mansfield. At time of residence she was known as Kathleen Mansfield Beauchamp.  Her residence here was from the age of 5 years to just before 10 years (1894 - 1900).  She went on to write "Prelude" in 1916 drawing on her early childhood experiences around Chesney Wold.

  Chesney Wold -   The people pictured here are the original Lancaster family who were the first residents

Chesney Wold - Immaculate tended gardens are representative of the middle-class residents of the era.

Chesney Wold House 2003

           Nestled amongst the fully grown trees on the busy main road of the suburb the house is now the home of the Mexican Embassy in NZ.  

Details of the construction and layout of Chesney Wold House can be found on the following web-site:

http://www.wcc.govt.nz/wellington/heritage/inventory/pg270.html

Born as Kathleen Mansfield Beauchamp on 14 October 1888 she later changed her name to Katherine Mansfield living mainly off-shore from New Zealand. She died in France on 9 January 1923 from tuberculosis.

           For further information on Katherine Mansfield and her time at Chesney Wold House the following website pages cover this era in her life:

http://www.dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb/default.asp?Find_Quick.asp?PersonEssay=3M42

http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/kmansfi.htm

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/intl/article/0,9171,1107991025-33702,00.html