One of few Heritage NZ listed buildings remaining in Blenheim.
The beautiful Hotel D’Urville building was completed in 1923 for the Public Trust Office having been designed by Wellington based architect William Gray Young as one of his early commissions.
We are proud of our very special building and look forward to celebrating our centenary in 2023.
About the architect:Gray Young, William, 1885-1962
As a child his family had moved to Wellington where he was educated. After leaving school he was articled to the Wellington architectural firm of Crichton and McKay. In 1906 he won a competition for the design of Knox College, Dunedin, and shortly after this he commenced to practice on his own account.
He became a prominent New Zealand architect and during a career of 60 years he designed over 500 buildings. His major buildings include the Wellington and Christchurch Railway Stations (1936 and 1954 respectively), Scots College (1919), Phoenix Assurance Building (1930) and the Australian Mutual Provident Society (AMP) Chambers (1950). At Victoria University College of Wellington he was responsible for the Stout (1930), Kirk (1938), and Easterfield (1957) building, and Weir House (1930). Gray Young also achieved recognition for his domestic work such as the Elliot House Wellington (1913).
His design of the Wellesley Club (1925) earned him the Gold Medal of the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 1932. He was elected a Fellow of the institute in 1913, served on the executive committee from 1914-35 and was President from 1935-36. He was also elected a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and achieved prominence in public affairs.
Most of the steel doors to the vault remain…
We understand it to be unusual for the time in that it is built of 400mm thick concrete walls reinforced with deformed steel as opposed to the normal un-reinforced masonry construction used elsewhere at the time. The four imposing concrete columns at the front are a notable feature.
During the 2016 earthquakes in the region the only damage suffered was to internal plasterboard walls which had been added in recent years. Clearly the Ministry of Works building standards of the time ensured it survived.It is one of few Heritage NZ listed building remaining in Blenheim.
The Public Trust occupied the building and the original building plan shows the layout of offices A vault is at the core of the building which covered both floors. Most of the original steel doors to the vault remain and these doors are now entry points to the rooms. It must have been a good office to work in with plenty of natural light.
The Public Trust occupied the entire building until the mid-1990s when the restaurant was established on the ground floor. In the early 2000’s nine hotel rooms were created on the first floor and two on the ground floor. The Public Trust occupied a small area on the ground floor until the hotel rooms were established. The eclectic rooms were all uniquely themed and have since been renovated by the current business owner to a high standard. The restaurant and bar have also been extensively remodelled. A copy of the original building plan is available to inspect the hotel.