Katherine Mansfield - famed NZ author - resided at the Chesney Wold house in Karori Road during the early part of the 19th century. She defers to this experience in her story "Prelude", the first of a triology about the Burnell family.

 Photo courtesy Karori History Society (Ref 372CW)         For further information on Mansfield's "Prelude" click here

Chesney Wold House - View from main road early 1900s.

Chesney Wold House - The family of Stephen Lancaster who built the house are seen on the verandah in a photo circa 1880s.

Photo courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library  PAColl-5277-1-12 Photograph Circa 1880s

Chesney Wold House - main entrance from side-angle. Photograph taken in 1930 

Chesney Wold House - View from paddock looking toward the northern hills. Photograph Circa 1900. Reference to this area and stream nearby is in the "Prelude" story.

Photo courtesy Margaret Kivell collection Alexander Turnbull Library Ref F173852

Chesney Wold House - Gardens as laid out by the original owners, the Lancaster family.   

Chesney Wold 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 New Zealand.