We invite you to discover the best Wellington has to offer, a hallmark of elegance and charm,nestled in the heart of the city, this gracefully restored historical treasure offers a truly unique experience.
Constructed in the late 19th century in the Italianate style, Dransfield House has had a colorful history, undergoing numerous additions and changes over the last century. After the property spent a number of decades abandoned and derelict, it was saved from demolition by the Smith family who set about restoring the house to its former granduer.
Dransfield House is now beautifully restored and has been opened up as a function venue for everyone to enjoy.
Dransfield House has the right space for any occasion.
The Spire lounge bar is a beautiful setting for your guests to relax and enjoy the lavish 19th century inspired decor.
The Ballroom fuses the best of Dransfields historical charm with an exceptional dining experience, the room can host up to 50 people for seated meals and can be arranged to suit your event.
With its vibrant outdoor gardens and artfully decorated interior Dransfield House is the perfect venue to host your special occasion year round.
Dransfield House was erected c. 1875, with subsequent additions for Joseph Dransfield, the first mayor of Wellington.
A wedding at Dransfield House highlights the best of what Wellington has to offer. Dransfield house is one of only four homes of it's type dating from the 1870's in the greater Wellington region, it offers true intimacy and a wonderful romantic backdrop to a very special day. Very centrally located, there really is nothing that compare's with Dransfield House.
We realise that people have budgets and will work with you to develop a day that is memorable and within your budget. We invite you to engage the caterer of your choice, or use our preferred caterer - Blue Carrot - to ensure a menu that is tailored to your taste & budget.
We offer free consultation with our Maitre de who will assist you through the planning and development stages of your wedding and will show you how easy and cost effective it can be to have a magical day in a wonderful setting.
We can accommodate up to 100 guests for canapes or 'walk & fork' and 50 guests for dining. We invite you to engage your preferred caterer, or use ours (Blue Carrot Catering)
In winter the ballroom is perfect for hosting medium to large groups for drinks & canapes, boasting open fireplaces, wooden floorboards, period lighting and recycled rimu tables made from the original floorboards of the upper storey of the house.
In summer the Spire Lounge bar shines with its access to the outdoor courtyard, perfect for entertaining on those late summer evenings.
At Dransfield House we arrange hosting to fit your needs so that you can make a lasting impression with your team or clients.
We are ideally situated for your meeting. Our location in Upper Willis Street is close enough to the CBD for convenience, but away from the city bustle. We are ideally placed for motorway access.
The house is set back from Willis Street, separated by a row of historic protected English Oaks, affording privacy and allowing you to focus on what matters.
In 1905 the property was purchased by Alfred Ernest Kernot, Consul for Paraguay, who added extensive horse stables and a coach house in the area that is now the lower gardens.
We have seen them all here at Dransfield House, from intimate group's for 15 course degustations through to graduation parties and all events in between.
We respect your right to engage the caterer of your choice.
We highly recommend our preferred caterer - Blue Carrot Catering.
The team at Blue Carrot are familiar with the venue and completely at home in our commercial kitchen. Nicole and her team will go the extra mile to ensure that your experience is exceptional.
Sample Menus
Dransfield House was sold to Rose C. Focke in 1896, who, according to the City Building Index Register, is believed to have added the original spire that is now a feature of the Spire Lounge Bar, originally intended as a conservatory.
Let the experienced team here at Dransfield make your special day into a memorable affair. Because we work with you from start to finish we can ensure that your day is a success, no matter the occasion.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation with our Maitre De to discuss how Dransfield House can work for you.