Hewitts Homestead 1888

Hewitts Homestead is a little piece of New Zealand history. Built for Capt. JDR Hewitt a retired naval officer and his family way back in 1888. It was one of the first large Homesteads to be built in the Palmerston North area and is still going strong today. In the 21st Century it takes 10 minutes to drive to The Square, but over a 130 years ago it will have taken much longer! "Capt J.D.R. Hewitt was a very early settler to the Linton area, establishing himself in the district in the 1870’s. He settled in the Kahuterawa Valley and soon had extensive holdings of land in the area adjacent to the ranges, much of it being Educational lease land. He took a prominent part in the development of the district and in particular St Columba’s Church. Captain Hewitt had, with the typical efficiency of an ex naval man, served the church for many years in the early days conducting a Sunday School and also as a lay reader. It was appropriate that the first couple to be married in St Columba’s and receive a Bible should be Captain and Mrs Hewitt’s daughter Hallette and Mr Dan Willis in 1904." (extracts from; Linton 1889 – 1989, A School and District Centennial History by W.J. Lauridsen) The current owners, Vanessa and Phil are interested in hearing from previous owners (or their families) of Hewitts Homestead. The venue is such a peaceful place, surrounded by farmland at the foot of the Tararua's, now used for accommodation, relaxation and weddings.