Woburn, Lower Hutt

In the archive…

Michael: I'm looking for any early photos you might have of a property called Woburn, designed by C.T. Natusch. Quite a mansion, with ornate facades, beautiful door and window surrounds, and attention to aesthetic details.
Aaron:

Let me check. Woburn, you said? I believe we do have a sketch of Woburn in our records. It shows the whole building.
Michael: Nice to know that there are records of it. Unfortunately, the house was bulldozed down some time ago.
Aaron: Yes, shame when significant architecture is destroyed. Ah, here’s the sketch.
Michael: I also have a later photo from the National Library. Interesting to compare. 
_________
Voice-over
Mansions often showcase the wealth and status of families. This one, built for Edward Vivian Riddiford (1842-1934), son of wealthy runholder Edward Joshua Riddiford (1879-1911), did just that.