Newspaper Article 2011 – Belmount garden blooms

Belmount garden blooms

The grounds of Hawke’s Bay historic art deco homestead, Belmount, will be opened to the public for the first time for the Hawke’ s Bay Floral Society’s “Garden Party” on December 4.

Belmount, a category-one listed building with the Historic Places Trust, is a 10-minute drive from Havelock North on the Tukituki Rd.

Designed by Auckland-born architect William Gummer and completed in 1918, the homestead was originally named “Craggy Range” in reference to the range behind the property.

When the late Felix Campbell purchased the property in 1946 he changed the name to Belmount after the family home in Ireland.

Felix Campbell’s son, Michael, and wife, Christine, have lived in the property for just more than two years and have been working to restore Belmount to its former glory.

The couple have almost completed the restoration of the downstairs level of the homestead and have given the garden new life.

“The garden is looking beautiful this time of year with new spring growth and the roses are in full bloom,” says Ms Campbell.

“It should be a lovely afternoon and a chance for ladies to don their summer frocks and enjoy a beautiful garden party.”

Belmount will be decorated with floral displays, while the garden party will also feature a fashion parade, afternoon tea, stalls and music.

Tickets cost $20 and are available from Sculpt in Hastings, Sally Anne in Havelock North, and Compliments in Napier.

The Campbells plan to open Belmount for other morning and afternoon teas, and also offer it as a venue for weddings and festivals. Inquiries can be made by calling 876 4580 or 874 7836, or by emailing [email protected].

Photo caption – Historic art deco homestead: Belmount