Greytown Heritage Trust is gearing up to open the doors of 11 heritage buildings at the beginning of February.
The self-guided Greytown Heritage House and Garden Tour will shine a light on some of the township’s best historic and Victorian architecture.
The funds raised from the tour will go towards a project restoring the Trust’s Kouka Cottage, said Trustee Carmel Ferguson.
Kouka Cottage was built in the 1860s as a gardener’s cottage, and Ferguson said that to complete restoration, the group needs to raise money within the six-figure range.
“We have had quotes and have a ballpark figure of about 150,000 dollars,” Ferguson said.
Of the 11 properties open for the tour, Ferguson said most of them date back to the late 1800s, and early 1900s.
“It’s quite a mix of different properties; some have been renovated over time from their Victorian origins.”
She said while the tour was open to all, tickets had now sold out.
“The tour is available to anyone but focuses on people interested in houses,” Ferguson said.
“It appeals to people who are interested in housing furnishings, interiors, and architecture.”
Also keeping an eye on the event is Barbara Hyde, marketing manager at Destination Wairarapa.
Hyde said the heritage properties are a testament to the character of Greytown.
“Greytown’s heritage homes and gardens are real hallmarks of the distinctive look of the town,” Hyde said.
“The opportunity to visit these private homes and gardens provided by this tour has been very beautifully presented and well marketed.”
Hyde also noted it was rare for a new event to sell out so quickly.
“It’s a terrific achievement for a brand-new event to sell out in its first year,” said Hyde.
Destination Wairarapa keeps tabs on events happening all over Wairarapa, and Hyde said that the tour is a good addition to the mix of offerings available.
She also said it was good timing with the long weekend.
“The tour adds variety to an already popular long weekend for the region, with well-known and established events including the Martinborough Fair and the Tauherenīkau races attracting people to visit.”
