Built by stonemason John Edmonds and his sons between about 1840 and 1858, the homestead was constructed from locally found basalt. Its surviving walls, neighbouring farm structures and dry-stone boundaries form a rare example of an early Northland stone farmhouse.

John and his wife Mary Ann arrived from England with their five sons in 1834 to work for the Church Missionary Society. Sent to help build Kerikeri’s Stone Store, John arrived to find it almost complete. Following the end of his missionary employment, the family established their own home and farm near Kerikeri Inlet.

The main house was destroyed by fire in the mid-1880s, but members of the family continued living on the property until the 1950s. Today, this Category 2 historic place holds special significance for the Edmonds whānau, preserving a physical connection to their ancestors and the lives they built here.

Take time to appreciate the stonework and imagine the household that once filled these rooms. It’s a rewarding stop for anyone interested in local history, heritage buildings or exploring beyond Kerikeri’s best-known attractions.

Entry is free, and the site is open daily. Access is from 72 Edmonds Road: park on the road and follow the signposted right-of-way to the ruins. The approach crosses gravel and a paddock, with uneven surfaces around the buildings, so wear sturdy shoes. There are no toilets or on-site parking, and the site is not wheelchair accessible. Please respect the historic structures and leave the stonework undisturbed.