A new chapter in the history of Brain Watkins House, located at 233 Cameron Road, has been revealed this week when Harry McNaughton, the great-great-nephew of the last owner, Elva Brain Watkins, reached out to the Tauranga Historical Society.

McNaughton sought special access to the historic home, which is now owned by the society, to immerse himself in its atmosphere while writing a play about the complex relationship between Elva and her sister Bessie.

Julie Green, president of the Tauranga Historical Society, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity.

“We were delighted to allow Harry special time in his family home,” she said. “This house has many stories to tell, and we’re sure Harry’s play will be full of insights concerning this unique example of family life in Tauranga.”

The kauri villa preserves the belongings of the Brain family, including furniture, clothing, artwork, and homewares.

“They could walk in tomorrow and still feel at home,” Green said.

Tauranga Historical Society president Julie Green with a garment owned by one of the sisters. Photo: John Borren.

The house’s legacy is rooted in a unique clause from the will of Kate Brain, the sisters’ mother, which stipulated that the property would pass to whichever daughter remained unmarried at her death, ensuring they would always have a place to call home.

Elva ultimately outlived Bessie and later married Watkins, making the 130-year-old house a pivotal backdrop for the sisters’ lives. It was also where Harry’s great-grandmother, Alice, was married after a long engagement to David McNaughton.

Clothing display in interior room at Brain Watkins House. Photo: John Borren.

Clothing display in interior room at Brain Watkins House. Photo: John Borren.

“My story is my own story, and you’ll have to come to the play to hear it,” Harry McNaughton teased.

“But I’m also very impressed by the Tauranga Historical Society’s guides and the great stories they have to pass on about the house and its place in Tauranga’s history.”

Part of the family history display wall at Brain Watkins House. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Joy Edmonds, guide organiser at the Tauranga Historical Society, echoed this sentiment.

“We love having visitors, especially those with special interests. We can open the house by appointment any day for group tours. We are also open every Sunday afternoon, 2-4 pm, for walk-ins. Just ring the doorbell and step back in time.”

The Tauranga Historical Society charges a modest entry fee of $5 for adults, while children are admitted free.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact the Tauranga Historical Society at tauranga.historical@gmail.com.

The dining room at Brain Watkins House. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford.