About
The Majestic Mansions - Apartments at St Clair, Dunedin's seaside boutique hotel is located on the St Clair Esplanade block, a stone’s throw from the local cafes, restaurants and bars. The location of Majestic Mansions offers visitors and guests a unique opportunity to experience a different part of Dunedin, taking in the surroundings of the beach and nearby amenities.
The Mansions are a second home for both locals and travellers seeking a rich experience in one of Dunedin’s most idyllic neighbourhoods. The building was built in 1919 and has been recently refurbished by the new owners; Joff and Penny Riley. The renovation embraces the many stories its walls contain, as well as creating a relaxed, beach feel with a touch of luxury which has been easily achieved within the existing character of the building.
Joff and Penny provide a stress free and relaxed stay for their guests within the quiet comforts of this stunning heritage building, catering for visitors from abroad, local staycation guests, corporate trips and business travellers looking for fully-equipped accommodation. Discounts can also be organised for group bookings and medium-term clientele are warmly welcomed.
If you require further information at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We await your arrival.
– Penny & Joff Riley, Owners
Majestic Mansions history
The sea wall that was built in 1913 facilitated the development of the St Clair suburb and attracted many of the wealthier classes to the area, who built their impressive houses overlooking the sea.
The Majestic Mansions was one such property. Planning for this building started around 1916 and it was completed late in 1920 at a cost of around £7000 to build, a considerable sum at the time.
The Mansions building itself was a rare sight when it was first constructed, being on higher ground and over three floors, it was a major landmark for the southern part of Dunedin. Although Edwardian in architectural style, the Majestic Mansions mirrored late Victorian seaside developments across the United Kingdom, such as the Norfolk Hotel in Brighton, which followed architect EM Barry’s tenet to build, ‘tall, to make a show’.
The project was first covered by the Christchurch Press in 1917:
“The Majestic Mansions’ a new block of flats to be erected on the ‘take-life-easy’ plan at St Clair in Dunedin, by a Dunedin company, show the trend in residential building in New Zealand. The block of land to be covered has a frontage to Forbury Road of 80ft and to Victoria Road of 90ft. On the ground floor are to be a public café, billiard room, private dining room, kitchen and managerial quarters. The first and second floors are to be divided into four three-roomed suites on each flat and on the top floor there will be 24 suite rooms and two double suites. There will be a laundry, eight car garages, an electric lift and every service possible will be electrical’.”
