Picturesque Colonial Homes.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue XIV, 6 October 1900, Page 635

Picturesque Colonial Homes.

SOME AUCKLAND RESIDENCES.

This week we commence a series of pictures of picturesque colonial homes, which we hope to continue as opportunity allows. The youth of the colony, and the moderate incomes of the majority of its inhabitants, sufficiently account for the absence of those splendid edifices and magnificent parks and grounds, of which we occasionally see illustrations in English magazines, etc. But we are not without hundreds of beautiful houses set amidst lovely surroundings, and here and there is found one which

might rival the mansions of England. “Kilbryde.” the residence of Dr. Logan Campbell, Auckland’s “grand old man” and pioneer townsman, is a case in point. Our photos give a capital idea of the fine house and its splendid situation. "Kilbryde” was erected by Dr. Campbell in 18S0, since which date it has been occupied by him. The natural question at once arises,"Why was it called Kilbryde?” and in answering that question we have to take back our readers a good many centuries into Scotland's early history. Kilbryde Castle. Perthshire, was erected in 1460 by Sir John de Graham. known as "Sir John of the Bright

Sword.” The castle and baronial lands were acquired by the present family in 1640; in fact, by Dr. Campbell’s great-great-grandfather. All his forefathers lived to an old age, and his family are still in possession of it. The castle stands on a promontory surrounded on three sides by a precipitous glen, with a river running down it. The walls are five feet thick, and the few small and narrow windows speak of the days when sieges had to be resisted against hostile border clans. Here Queen Mary spent some of her early days, and with her hand maidens embroidered tapestries. Her portrait hangs in the

great dining hall; also one of Charles 11. Needless to say there is a haunted chamber and authentic ghost. The Ik.'tor does not possess either of these two now coveted belongings in his "Kilbryde.” Mrs. Street's resilience, "Birtley,” is one of the most beautifully situated houses in Auckland, and commands an absolutely unrivalled view of the harbour. An idea of this may be gained from our picture. A feature of Mrs. Street’s beautiful place is the drive, with its fine shrubberies on either side. There is also an excellent miniature golf links on the ground.