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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

“Ellerslie” Boarding House

“Ellerslie” Boarding House (Charles Tapley, proprietor), Governor's Bay This house was built about twenty-five years ago, as a private residence for a Christchurch hotelkeeper. In 1885 it was bought by Mr. Tapley, who was then carrying on a butchery business in Lyttelton. It was occupied by him as a private residence until 1890, when, after it had been considerably altered, it was converted into a boarding house. “Ellerslie” is situated on a square block of land, of about ten acres in area, extending from the main road to the water's edge, and is within a few chains of the Governor's Bay wharf. It is a large and handsome building of two stories, with a varandah and balcony overlooking the water. There are about twenty rooms, including bathroom, private sitting rooms, and other apartments for the convenience of visitors. The house is richly furnished throughout, well kept, and personally superintended by Mrs Tapley, who pays special attention to the dining room appointments and to the cookery. The grounds around the house are well planted, and are laid out with good taste. A wide and well shelled drive through an avenue of native and imported trees leads from the main road to the front door; whilst immediately before the house, and between it and the precipitous descent to the water's edge, there is a spacious lawn, designed to attract the votaries of tennis and croquet. The remainder of the enclosure is occupied, partly by pleasant picnic grounds, and partly by grass paddocks and stabling accommodation. Within but a few miles of Lyttelton with which it is in regular communication by coach and steamer, “Ellerslie” is an ideal spot for tourists, and for city residents desiring a quiet rest in the bracing atmosphere of the sea coast.