Balmoral

The property Balmoral located on the banks of the Taieri River  on the outskirts of the town of Outram plays a significant role in the oral history of the Wyllie family . It consists of about 19 acres of prime river floodplain on which Donald Borrie who arrived in Dunedin in 1852, built the first part of which was to later become the 12 room house known as Balmoral. 

David Wyllie and his wife leased this property in the early 1900's and this lease was maintained until 1941.  Two of David and Margaret's  family, Ella and Graham were born in this house as were Graham and Dorrie's first two children, Ian and Grant. From around 1915 till the early 1930's David and Margaret ran the property as a boarding house which became known for its farm holidays with its attractive garden, excellent food and peaceful surroundings. In the pictures below are some extracts from the visitors book that they kept which show what visitors thought of their holiday experience there. It was also run as a small dairy farm and daily deliveries of milk to the nearby dairy factory were part of the family routine.

The property fell into disrepair during the forties until it was purchased by Mr Frank Ferguson in 1948.  He developed it as a market garden selling raspberries, black currants, rhubarb and other seasonal crops such as potatoes, lettuce and early vegetables. In the mid-seventies the property was taken over by his son Neville who with his wife took on the project of restoring the house to its original glory .  This they have done with great care and regard for authenticity. It should be noted that the original house was built facing the Taieri river. A number of floods lead to the construction of a levee along the river to protect the township of Outram and this resulted in the house losing its river view. As part of the renovation of the house the house was rotated so that it fronted onto the road (see photo below). 

Their work resulted in it being listed as a Historic Place, Category 2 by Heritage New Zealand in 2005. See data below.

List Entry Information

List Entry Status Listed  

List Entry Type  Historic Place Category 2  

Public Access Private/No Public Access

List Number3232

Date Entered14th April 2005

Date of Effect14th April 2005

Historical Significance or Value

Balmoral has architectural and historical significance. Balmoral is associated with the early settlement of the Taieri Plains, particularly the establishment of the settlement at Outram (Taieri Ferry). Donald Borrie was an the first Ferryman at this point on the Taieri River, and became a prominent and well known settler. The house was a well known destination for holiday visits, and represents that aspect of the history of leisure activities in the early twentieth century.

Architecturally Balmoral represents an early homestead in the region, designed and built by the owner.

Balmoral reflects the early period of settlement on the Taieri Plains, an important aspect of the history of the Otago Region. Donald Borrie's life is a reminder of the path from new migrant to established settler of some means, and this is an important association in the Otago region, where the descendants of that family have been prominent.