McLean's Mansion

McLean's Mansion
McLean's Mansion in July 2013
Map of Christchurch Central City
Map of Christchurch Central City
Location within the Christchurch Central City
Former namesHolly Lea
General information
TypeHomestead
LocationChristchurch Central City
Address387 Manchester Street
Town or cityChristchurch
CountryNew Zealand
Coordinates43°31′20.4″S 172°38′19.2″E / 43.522333°S 172.638667°E / -43.522333; 172.638667
CompletedSeptember 1900
ClientAllan McLean
Design and construction
Architect(s)Robert William England
Main contractorRennie and Pearce
Designated7 April 1983
Reference no.300
References
"McLean's Mansion". New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved 21 July 2013.

McLean's Mansion (originally Holly Lea) is a homestead in Christchurch, New Zealand. The two hectares property is situated between Manchester and Colombo Streets. The mansion was initially known as 'Holly Lea', but later became known as McLean's Mansion after its initial owner. It is the largest wooden residence in New Zealand. The mansion, designed by Robert England, architect of Christchurch, is a fusion of styles of Jacobean architecture and Victorian features, akin to the Mentmore Towers (1852–54) of Sir Joseph Paxton in Buckinghamshire in England. It was built between April 1899 and September 1900. The house is registered as a Category I heritage building by Heritage New Zealand. After the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the owners applied to demolish the earthquake-damaged buildings, but their request was denied by the heritage body and the courts. In December 2016, the building sold to a trust that will restore it for use as a gallery. Restoration is expected to be finished by 2024.