The Willow Bank Estate.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 128, 13 December 1902, Page 7

The Willow Bank Estate.

The whirligig of time brings many changes, and the latest exposition of this saying is the fact of the beautiful Willow Bank Estate, Lower Hutt,- being in the hands of the auctioneer. What memories of the past are called forth as one reads the inexorable decree which places this fine old place on the market. Here, for over forty years, the late Sir Win. Fitzherbert lived out his days, dying full of years and honours. Many were the social and political garden parties and banquets held in the stirring days of the seventies and eighties, when the names of Fitzhenrbert, Vogel, and Fox were "household words." * • • Here Sir William would retire in the recess, and spend time and money in beautifying his lovely home, importing trees, shrubs, and flowering plaints from. all parts of the world, and the Estate vied with Ludlam's and Thomas Mason's (all situated in the valley) for beauty, many connoisseurs grivin "Willow Bank" pride of place. After his death, the property was leased to several Wellington resident®, notably Mr. Robert Parker and Mr. F. W. Haybittle (the latter, as a coincidence, now conducts the sale). ( , * • '• About four years ago. it was sold to< Mr. Robert Laery, who made considerable improvements during hfc, abort tenure. The death of the latest owner is fresh in the memory of the public, and it is owing to the provisions of his will, which stipulates the realisation of all real estate, that this lovely- domain comes into the market. The sale is fixed for Wednesday next, the 17th December, at the Chamber of Commerce, Custom House Quay, and will be conducted by Mr. F. W. Haybittle, senior partner of George Thomas and Co. This old-established firm has' so long been inseparably connected with the wholesale grain and fruit trade of the city that their names appear comparatively new to the present generation as land auctioneers, but we understand that it ie their intention in the near future to give this branch of the business specisSf consideration, and a definite and decided announcement may shortly be anticipated. * » • They are not, however new to the business ; perhaps few now remember that iti was George Thomas and Co., who, in 1873, successfully placed upon the market the whole of the sections of Brandon. Johnston. Warine: Taylor, and a portion of Featherston streets, the present senior 1 partner acting as auction, clerk on that occasion. Willow Bank has been subdivided into thirty-nine buUdino- sections. Many are of entrancing beauty, owing to the presence in mingled variety of shrubs flower, fruit, and ornamental trees, the life work of the original' possessor. Others are taken from the flat pastoral land through which a pleasant stream (taking its source from the Belmont hills) meanders. * * * To the city professional and business man a site for a beautiful country home is offered within half a minute, to. at the outside four minutes' walk from the Lower Hutt railway station. The terms of sale are almost unique in the «.titi^iTw of land auctioneering for liberality, and we are informed that the reserves are fixed at figures which must eventuate in the disposal of every section on tlhe day of sale. ■■ • • Plans are available at the auctioneers' offices, Harris-street (ring up No. 78), and the property may now be inspected' up to the date of sale, the caretaker having received special instructions to show visitors all courtesy and attention. There is every reason to anticipate a crowded attendance at "The Chamber" next Wednesday, and Messrs. George Thomas and Co. are likely to have a "record sale."