Lansing Family
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Dunedin is styled and named somewhat after Edinburgh, Scotland. In addition to lots of plantation raised logs, there are two notable historical sites: Olveston Home and Larnach Castle.
Here is what the official New Zealand site says about the former: "Olveston was built for Dunedin businessman, collector and philanthropist David Theomin, his wife Marie and their two children Edward and Dorothy.
Designed by acclaimed English architect Sir Ernest George, Olveston was built [in 1906] as a family home furnished with fine art, furniture and artifacts purchased from all around the world. Intended for future generations of Theomin’s to enjoy, this was not to be the case as both the Theomin children died without heirs. Surviving the death of her father, mother and elder brother, Miss Dorothy Theomin lived at Olveston until her death in 1966, when it was discovered the house and the original contents were gifted to the City of Dunedin.”
It does not mention that Theomin and family were practicing Jews. Also that the house was wired for electricity and had indoor plumbing, even in the early 1900’s. All the furnishings and items in the house are originals. This means that while walking through the house you are asked to keep your arms close to your sides and women must hold their purse against them so it does not swing and hit something.
Larnach Castle was built in 1871 by the very financially successful Scotsman William Larnach. His personal life, and that of his family was quite tragic and the castle was sold in 1906. Over the years it was vacant, used as a sanatorium for returning soldiers with war injuries. In 1967 it was bought (on a whim?) by a young couple, Margaret and Barry Barker. They restored the castle, traveling extensively to obtain original furnishings or accurate reproductions.