Long Bay windmill adds to Vaughan Homestead heritage

The reconstruction of a historic windmill at Long Bay Regional Park begins this week.

The Torbay Historical Society has initiated the project to add to the historical context of the Vaughan Homestead on the park.

The 5.7metre high wooden windmill will be located about 30 metres from the homestead, which sits above the northern end of Long Bay beach.

Vaughan Homestead was originally constructed as a farm cottage in 1863 by George Vaughan, who later extended it for his wife and family.

These days the homestead is managed by the Torbay Historical Society under licence to the Auckland Regional Council. The Society, with support from the ARC, renovated the homestead in the early 1990s.

During the restoration, the Society members found remnants of one of four original windmills used on the farm to draw water, and they decided to restore it. The reconstruction of the windmill is also a feature of the Vaughan Homestead Conservation Plan prepared by the ARC.

ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Sandra Coney says the windmill will be a welcome addition and the Torbay Historical Society should be applauded for its efforts.

"The society has done a marvellous job of restoring the homestead to its 1890 appearance and landscaping the grounds, "Cr Coney says. "They have also raised funds for the windmill reconstruction which will add to the overall historic context of Vaughan Homestead."

"The Society provides Long Bay Regional Park visitors with a great opportunity to experience part of the area's heritage."

Vaughan Homestead is available as a venue for weddings, seminars, small functions and general community sue. There is also a small museum, which is open to the public from 2pm - 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

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