Nelson City Council

About

Fifeshire House today is a commercial premises but much of the original architectural integrity of the structure has been kept.

History

Fifeshire House was built in 1911 (some sources say 1918). Originally Fifeshire House was called Raglan Villa and it was the homestead of the Harley family for over 50 years. The Harleys founded and owned Raglan Breweries, which was located right next door where the Rutherford Hotel now stands. Over the years they became well respected brewers for their internationally recognised "Harleys Ale'.

Joseph Auty Harley, Mayor of Nelson from 1949 to 1956, and his family were the last generation to live in Raglan Villa. Over this time the house gained a reputation as a friendly, welcoming place, with guests regularly dropping in. Friends of the Harleys would stop by to enjoy a sumptuous lunch from the busy kitchen, or to attend an evening function in the more formal end of the house.

It remained a family home until the 1970s. After this it was used as a Nelson Community Centre for arts and other organisations. In 1987 Fifeshire FM Broadcasters moved in. When Fifeshire moved in they wanted to preserve the architectural integrity of the old house. Apart from the new colour scheme the exterior was retained as it was originally built. However some structural changes were necessary on the inside. Among the acoustic requirements was the need to fully soundproof the on-air studio, on the ground floor some walls were removed to open up the old stairway and give extra space for a public reception and waiting area in the front room.

Location

Fifeshire House is located on Church Street just off Selwyn Place West across from the Cathedral.

For more information

For more information on heritage walks and heritage sites please contact Arts and Heritage Adviser.