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Topcroft Homestead, 1870- (Place)
SummaryTopcroft, built in 1870 by David Lundon and brother-in-law John Conway for Samuel Ludbrook Clarke, is one of Tauranga's oldest European homes, constructed from pit-sawn, kauri timber. It featured pressed metal ceilings, a "swan-neck" staircase, wood-panelled walls, and dormer windows.
Originally built as a farmhouse on an 823-acre lease, the house was first relocated by Josiah Tutchen in 1897 to align with Edgecumbe Road, requiring it to be turned 90 degrees and the original servants' quarters to be moved to an adjacent section.
It was named after Clarke's family home "Topcroft Hall" in Norfolk, England.
The Shearmans lived in Topcroft from 1930 until the 1970s.
After many decades on 123 Edgecumbe Road, Topcroft was relocated in 1988 to Ranginui Road in Welcome Bay, part of the Bridgevale Estate, by its new owner, Tauranga solicitor Bill Taylor.
See also Topcroft Estate, the initial block bounded by Cameron Road, Eleventh Avenue, Edgecumbe Road, and Twelfth Avenue.
Bay of Plenty Times. (1898, December 9). Judge Gill purchases Topcroft.Bay of Plenty Times. (1983, March 12). Part of city history for sale.Lundon and Conway. (1899). Alteration. In: Lundon and Conway's timber notebook. Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Ams 62.
Originally built as a farmhouse on an 823-acre lease, the house was first relocated by Josiah Tutchen in 1897 to align with Edgecumbe Road, requiring it to be turned 90 degrees and the original servants' quarters to be moved to an adjacent section.
It was named after Clarke's family home "Topcroft Hall" in Norfolk, England.
The Shearmans lived in Topcroft from 1930 until the 1970s.
After many decades on 123 Edgecumbe Road, Topcroft was relocated in 1988 to Ranginui Road in Welcome Bay, part of the Bridgevale Estate, by its new owner, Tauranga solicitor Bill Taylor.
See also Topcroft Estate, the initial block bounded by Cameron Road, Eleventh Avenue, Edgecumbe Road, and Twelfth Avenue.
Bay of Plenty Times. (1898, December 9). Judge Gill purchases Topcroft.Bay of Plenty Times. (1983, March 12). Part of city history for sale.Lundon and Conway. (1899). Alteration. In: Lundon and Conway's timber notebook. Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Ams 62.Photographs
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CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries , Topcroft Homestead, 1870- (Place)Known Date/s
Date Built1870
Location
Map Address123, Edgecumbe Road, TaurangaLocation197 Edgecumbe Street, Tauranga (1870-1988)
Location197 Edgecumbe Street, Tauranga (1870-1988)Relates To
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AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | Places
Type of ContributionLibrary authorityTaxonomyStories | Placesloading google map....
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Topcroft Homestead, 1870- (Place). Pae Korokī, accessed 03/04/2026, https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/nodes/view/111552
