Whare Tau (a Maori name meaning "first house" or "our home" and pronounced locally as "where to") is one of Exeter's most significant homes. This single-story Federation Queen Anne residence, built in 1903 and refurbished in 1996, has a rich history. Constructed of double (face) brick with a rectangular plan and a rear skillion added early on, it embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of its era.
The house features a Welsh slate roof, five brick chimneys, and timber gables with decorative bracketing. Inside, opulent interiors include stamped metal Wunderlich ceilings, marble fireplaces, and exquisitely carved cedar joinery. Modern comforts like underfloor heating beneath kauri pine floors and a kitchen with Miele appliances blend seamlessly with its classic charm. An electric bell system recalls an earlier lifestyle.
Set on 3.399 hectares of park-like grounds, the estate includes a rose walk, specimen trees, cold-weather plantings, and a vast vegetable plot. Two wells, one operated by a windmill, irrigate the gardens, which also feature large English oak, elm, and lime trees. The property boasts a two-bedroom cottage, shed, original coach house, and stables with a tack room and two stalls. Located five minutes from the village centre and 25 minutes to Bowral.
