The history behind Tresco Apartments

Tresco Apartments is more than just a place to stay, it is a home with a story that spans generations. Located at 32 Eltham Road in Blenheim, Marlborough the property centers around a beautiful 1927 Californian bungalow, a style of home that became one of New Zealand’s most recognizable architectural designs during the early 20th century. With their low-pitched roofs, wide eaves and welcoming verandas, these homes were designed to create a relaxed and practical way of living. Today, this classic Marlborough bungalow continues to evolve while retaining its heritage charm.

A Family Home

Our bungalow was built in 1927, right in the middle of the Californian bungalow movement that shaped so much of New Zealand’s early twentieth-century architecture.

For many years the house was first and foremost a family home. As the family grew, so too did the house. In the 1960s, what is now Apartment Two was added to the rear of the original bungalow, followed by an upstairs wing in the 1980s, which today forms Apartment Three. Over time, what began as a modest 1927 bungalow gradually evolved into a sprawling eight-bedroom home, with multiple rooms, passageways and bathrooms. The result is a property that reflects nearly a century of Blenheim’s architectural story.

In the early 2000s, the house began its next chapter when my parents opened their doors and established one of Blenheim’s early bed and breakfast stays. Travelers visiting Marlborough were welcomed into the home to enjoy warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and the relaxed lifestyle the region is known for.

The breakfasts soon became a highlight for many guests, with homemade preserves made from peaches and pears grown in the garden, and a fresh stack of pancakes cooked to perfection each morning.

That original spirit of welcoming travelers still sits at the heart of Tresco today.

A New Chapter - Renovation

Over time, the way people travel has changed. Many visitors now look for private, self-contained accommodation, while still wanting somewhere with character and a genuine sense of place.

The renovation of Tresco Apartments began as a project to thoughtfully transform the once eight-bedroom family home into three private apartments. The aim has been to create spaces that offer the independence and comfort of modern accommodation while preserving the warmth and charm of the original property.

The transformation has been very much a hands-on family effort. Much of the renovation work has been carried out personally by my husband and myself, with our sons now helping to continue the project and shape the future of Tresco.

Today — Tresco Apartments

Today, the main house has been carefully renovated ensuring each space blends the character of the original bungalow.

Apartment One: Retains many of the features of the original 1927 bungalow, and once complete will offer guests a sense of the home’s historic character alongside a carefully considered modern renovation.

Apartment Two: Furnished to complement the mid-century character of the 1960s extension, the apartment features styling that nods to that era while still providing the modern comforts and amenities guests expect today. The result is a space that feels both timeless and contemporary — celebrating the history of the home while offering a relaxed and comfortable stay.

Apartment Three represents the next stage in the home’s evolution. Originally created as part of the 1980s upstairs extension, the space has now been completely reimagined through a full renovation. Outdated features, including the original kitchenette and internal walls, were removed to create a more open and practical layout that makes far better use of the space. The renovation also included improvements to the surrounding gardens and access ways, allowing the apartment to have its own private entrance. The result is a bright, modern space that feels calm and contemporary, while still forming part of the home’s continuing story.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, we look forward to welcoming you to Tresco.
— Gillian McLeod, your host

The Heritage of the NZ Bungalow

Bungalows became the most popular style of home in New Zealand from around World War I, replacing the grand villas of the late 1800s. Inspired by Californian designs but quickly adapted to local tastes and materials, the New Zealand bungalow developed its own distinctive character by the 1920s. With their low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and welcoming verandas, they offered a simpler, more practical way of living.