THE HISTORY

The story begins…

Te Mata House is a property steeped in history, now lovingly restored to create a luxury accommodation and venue experience in the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country.

Built in the mid-1850s by John and Margaret Chambers, the homestead was once the beating heart of pioneering farming and winemaking enterprise that stretched across more than 7,000 hectares.

It was Bernard, John Chambers’ third son, who had an inkling that this fertile soil, drenched in sun, would be perfect for grapes. Having just returned from France with his wife Lizzie, he set about planting vines across three parcels of land. He is considered the father of winegrowing in Hawke’s Bay with first planting grape cuttings at Te Mata in 1891.

It is those same parcels that are, to this day, used to grow fruit for the delicious wines produced by Te Mata Estate Winery, quite literally over the fence from the house.

Te Mata House, which was sold by the Chambers in 1919, has been a special place to many for over 150 years including a sanctuary for travellers resting their weary heads, a make-shift church, and Hawke’s Bay’s first bank. It has had extensive renovations throughout the years, yet the way it stands today is still very similar to the way it looked in 1876.

In 2016, the property took on a three-year renovation and building project when Jacqueline and her family purchased the home and made the move from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay. The project saw the Homestead, The Old Stables and The Whiskey Room fully restored and stylishly decorated, and the horse stables, The Cottage guesthouse, and the pool and pool house were all newly erected.

Around 100 years old, the Old Stables was literally that – most likely a stable for small animals. Underneath lay a dark, cold, cellar perhaps the very first in Hawke’s Bay when Te Mata Estate Winery began. Jacqueline had converted The Old Stables into guest accommodation with the futon bed in what was once the hay loft, and the cellar below was converted into the Whiskey Room, which was thoroughly enjoyed by guests. Sadly, the Old Stables & Whiskey Room were significantly damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. The Old Stables couldn’t be saved but the Whiskey Room is currently under restoration.

Te Mata House is first and foremost a family home for Jacqueline and her two children, Zach and Heidi. But Jacqueline also wanted to share her warm hospitality and graceful heritage property with visitors to her very special corner of Aotearoa, New Zealand. In January 2021, Jacqueline opened the gates and welcomed guests to her property for luxury accommodation, garden visits, events and weddings.

If you’d like a Garden and Heritage visit around Te Mata House, please contact us.