McLean's Mansion, 387 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch

Available PropertyFiles:

  • 387 Manchester Street - Information Memorandum - May 2025.pdf
  • CB30F_259_Title_Search_Copy.pdf
  • Manchester Street 387_LIM Report_15 May 2025.pdf
  • McLeans Mansion Dims 13_5_19.pdf
  • Mclean's Mansion Arch Plans 28.11.2018.pdf
  • Property File.zip

Property Description

Historic McLean’s Mansion looks to the future

Positioned proudly in the heart of Christchurch, McLean’s Mansion is a grand and iconic heritage property which represents a significant piece of New Zealand’s architectural legacy. Originally known as Holly Lea, this remarkable residence was constructed between 1899 and 1900 by South Canterbury philanthropist Allan McLean and remains the largest timber residence ever built in the country – crafted entirely from native Kauri.

Occupying a substantial freehold landholding of 5,505sqm (more or less) between Manchester Street and Bealey Avenue, the Category 1 Heritage Listed mansion spans more than 2,100sqm (more or less) across 53 rooms, comprising 19 bedrooms, six bathrooms, and nine toilets. Set behind established trees, including two protected Copper Beech trees, and high brick walls, the property exudes a sense of privacy while maintaining a commanding presence in the cityscape.

Designed by celebrated architect Robert England in the Jacobean-Victorian style, McLean’s Mansion has long captivated both locals and visitors with its sheer scale and intricate detailing. Its historical and cultural significance is matched only by its visual impact, standing as a cherished landmark visible from various vantage points across Christchurch.

McLean’s Mansion has a rich and varied history. Once home to the McLean Institute - a private organisation established by Allan McLean in 1907 - the Mansion provided education and support for women facing hardship or personal challenges. In 1954, the property was sold to the Government and repurposed as a dental training school, which operated until 1982. It was then sold to the Christchurch Academy and used as a vocational training centre.

Following the damage sustained during the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, McLean’s Mansion was initially slated for demolition. However, a public campaign successfully rallied to save the grand structure. In 2018, the McLean’s Mansion Charitable Trust acquired the residence and has since invested significantly in an extensive programme of seismic strengthening and restoration. These efforts have included the installation of new foundations, structural steel framing, detailed heritage reinstatement, roof replacement, and essential infrastructure upgrades - all undertaken with the singular goal of preserving this national treasure for future generations.

Today, McLean’s Mansion sits on the threshold of its next chapter. With nearly all major restoration milestones achieved, the property now seeks visionary stewardship to complete the journey.

With soaring ceilings, expansive halls, and a versatile internal layout, McLean’s Mansion offers a wealth of future possibilities. Whether re-imagined as an art gallery, boutique hotel, corporate headquarters, museum, luxury retreat, or private institution, the estate offers ample on-site car parking - providing a strong foundation for a wide array of commercial or cultural endeavours.

McLean’s Mansion is more than a building - it is a rare and significant canvas for creativity, vision, and legacy. An extraordinary opportunity to be part of something truly enduring.

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Terms of Supply

By accepting “the information” contained in this PropertyFile, I acknowledge I have read, understood and accepted the terms on which the information has been made available. This information has been prepared by Whalan and Partners Limited, trading as Bayleys (“Bayleys”) as agent for “the Vendor”. The information contains information that is publicly available, and/or sourced from third parties (and/or the vendor) and capable of independent verification. It has been prepared solely to assist interested parties in deciding whether to further their interest in the Property and Whalan and Partners Limited is acting as a conduit and merely passing this information over. Prospective purchasers must not confine themselves to the contents of the Information but should, in conjunction with their professional advisors, make their own evaluation of the Property and conduct their own investigation, analysis, and verification of the data contained in the Information and otherwise concerning the Property. Such evaluation should extend to and include whether there has been a change in the affairs or prospects of the Property since the date of the Information or since the date as at which any information contained in the Information is expressed to be applicable. Should the purchaser decide not to obtain their own specialist advice, they are deemed to have satisfied themselves on all aspects of the property and are buying solely in reliance on their own judgment and contrary to the recommendation of the agent. Bayleys and the Vendor have not verified any of the detail contained in the Information and Bayleys and the Vendor make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither Bayleys nor the Vendor accept and/or shall have any liability whatsoever for the accuracy of any part of the information including any liability for any statements, opinions, information or matters (expressed or implied) arising out of, contained in or derived from the Information, or any omissions from, or failure to correct any information, or any other written or oral communications transmitted to any recipient of the Information in relation to the Property. By registering you give consent to receive newsletters from the listing agent and/or PropertyFiles which you may unsubscribe from at any time. Whalan and Partners Ltd, Bayleys. Licensed under the REA Act 2008.

Contact Jesse Paenga

Whalan and Partners Ltd, Bayleys,

Licensed under the REA Act 2008

027 764 4748   027 764 4748   jesse.paenga@bayleys.co.nz   All Listings

Starting in commercial real estate in 2014, Jesse was driven by a deep-seated passion for property investment and since then, has forged an impressive track record marked by notable achievements such as orchestrating Christchurch’s largest-ever transaction valued at $77 million and securing leases for major central city establishments including Hoyts and H&M all whilst exceeding sales of $300 million.

Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with first-class honours from Otago and Canterbury Universities, Jesse has honed his skills across diverse sectors within the industry. From office and retail leasing to project leasing for prominent CBD retail developments, and from investment sales to capital markets, Jesse's multifaceted background ables him to provide nuanced insights. His keen ability to accurately gauge market rents and assess a property's future lease-ability and value proves invaluable to both vendors and purchasers.

Drawing from his personal experiences as an investor and hands-on involvement in property development, Jesse possesses a unique knack for analysing opportunities from an investor's perspective. His proficiency in uncovering hidden gems within deals, coupled with his adeptness at aligning opportunities with clients' needs and future potential, sets him apart.

Committed to keeping his clients ahead of the curve, Jesse stays ahead of market dynamics and fundamentals, including debt funders' appetites, interest rates, vacancy rates and rental trends. By leveraging these insights and knowledge, he equips his clients with foresight into market movements, ensuring they identify and gain early access to deals.

From his experience in the post-earthquake environment in Christchurch, Jesse considers the most exciting part of property to be the positive impact a new development or refurbishment can have on the cityscape. In his role as Bayleys Director of Capital Markets & Corporate Leasing, Jesse remains dedicated to serving the Christchurch market and the Otago/Southland commercial sector, offering first-hand expertise tailored to his clients' unique needs.

Outside of work Jesse’s young son keeps him busy. He also likes to go to the gym and spend time in the outdoors including hunting.