“The Log Cabin, situated in Wakelin Road, Beachlands, is of great interest and historically the most important building in our area.
The Cabin was built in 1929 by Mr and Mrs Will Grove. They and their family had lived in Canada for three or four years and then immigrated to New Zealand at the turn of the century.
The Cabin was built primarily as a holiday home. The Cedar logs and shingles were brought here from Canada by steamer. Beachlands had a wharf in those days and the steamer was the main form of transport. There was a large flat rock just off the wharf which was used as a tidal guide. When the water covered the rocks then there was sufficient draught for the steamer to dock there.
The Norfolk Pine that is a landmark to many boaties was planted by Will Grove in 1930.
The interior of the cabin is unusual. The door of Cedar logs has a slide bolt which is latched with a knot of wood- real “Daniel Boone” style! The fire surround is constructed of stone the chimney of cobblestones- all from nearby east coast beaches. The mantlepiece is a log of pine the bark is still there.
The timber of the cabin was oiled until recently, when it was painted. There are corner cupboards on the living area with drawers that slide out sideways. The walls of the bedrooms in the corners are stored in the roof space in case the house is restored to its original style.
Will Grove died in 1940, and his wife Olive made the cabin her permanent home until 1960-61. Her daughter Betty Grove was the next owner, and in 1964 she reroofed with Decramastic tiles but the shingle roof is still underneath.
Manukau City Council aquired the property in 1974 for a public reserve and the house for a community centre.
Over the years the cabin has been the home of five different families and their love for this delightful abode can be felt as you enter the cabin. ”
* this is taken from the wall inside the cabin.
