Stoneways is a two-and-a-half storey building located opposite Auckland Grammar School, built with a concrete frame.[3] The house's style is an eclectic blend of elements from Spanish mission styles, Art Deco and Arts and Crafts.[1] The name of the house was chosen due to it being located atop solid stone lava flows from Maungawhau.[1]
History
The land on which Stoneways was built was originally a part of William Aitken's Rockwood estate. New Zealand architect William Gummer, one of the founders of the architectural firm Gummer and Ford, purchased a section of the estate in 1924 after his marriage to Edith Oiroa Batley, in order to build a residence for his family.[3] Stoneways was one of only 14 private residences that Gummer designed.[2] After the house was constructed in 1926, Gummer lived here with his family for most of his life.[3][1]
The house was purchased by Supreme Court Judge Terence Gresson in 1957.[3] On 10 December 2010, it was classified as a Historic Place Category I by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.[3] The house changed ownership in 1998 and 2017,[1] after which architect Anthony Matthews of Matthews & Matthews refurbished the interior of the residence.[2]
