Hidden By Nature – Open To The World

Concealed from even the most curiously inclined, Abbeville Estate is Auckland’s newest boutique destination for celebrations, conferences and events.

Between July 2010 and March 2012, Auckland Airport in consultation with Historic Places Trust has relocated and restored Westney Church and the Westney Homestead, and revitalized the Abbeville Homestead (home and barn).

Surrounded by trees and landscaped grounds, these beautifully restored heritage-listed buildings make up Abbeville Estate and offer the opportunity to tailor the most extraordinary events, whether it be an unforgettable wedding or an outstanding corporate function.

From relaxed cocktails on the lawn, to beautiful weddings and christenings in the Church, right down to fully catered celebrations in the Homestead and extraordinary fashion shows in the Barn – if there is an event that needs a venue, Abbeville will have the perfect location for it.

The buildings and landscaped grounds within Abbeville Estate are over 150 years old and have been meticulously restored and contemporised for the needs of today.  It’s thought the Estate is the only intact pre-1860 historic farm complex of this type remaining in the Auckland region.

On the Estate, is the Homestead – christened Abbeville in the 1930s – it can seat up to 110 in the main dining room and 30 in the Garden Room with a separateparlour providing a private setting for brides to ready themselves before walking down the aisle of the Estate’s very own church.

After 150 years of faithful service to Mangere and Onehunga, the Westney Church was relocated from its home a short distance away to the Estate.  Oriented to catch the light through its stained glass windows, the original timber pews inside can seat up to 80 for a wedding.  The Barn is an original part of the Homestead with over 150 years of history and can comfortably accommodate up to 380 guests for a deliciously rustic cocktail party.

Sue Fleischl, the culinary mastermind behind the Great Catering Co., is also the creative director behind Abbeville Estate, where dishes that are contemporary and divine wonderfully balance the Estate’s historic agrarian ambience.

Food is prepared in the Homestead’s restaurant-standard kitchen, with the Estate’s kitchen garden providing herbs and other produce harvested freshly for the tailored menus, and includes an orchard of lemon trees, which are swiftly made into Abbeville Estate fresh lemonade. Abbeville even has its own resident pigeon, Mr Hoo, adding to the homely feel of the Estate!

Sue has loved being part of the team involved in the restoration and design of Abbeville Estate in conjunction with Auckland Airport, Historic Places Trust and urban designers Common Ground.  From choosing the colour scheme, to planting the kitchen garden herself, Sue has painstakingly matched the feel of Abbeville Estate to the menus, and will be the point of contact for all event enquiries.

Located at 5 Nixon Road, its proximity to Auckland Airport makes Abbeville Estate ideal for events that bring together workmates, friends and family from across the country.

Whether you need a venue for a small party or a big celebration, Abbeville Estate offers the incredible opportunity to make it a totally unforgettable experience.