Future looks bright for Titoki Manor

6th January 2006

THE FUTURE of Titoki Manor appears assured with fresh new life breathed into the stately old home by a Masterton family who moved in a month ago.

Paul and Katie Wynn-Stanley who came to Wairarapa from England four years ago, are delighted with their new home and have already started putting plans in place.

The former rest home suddenly closed last May with the owner Joanne Steele of Feilding citing financial difficulties and low residency rates.

Sixteen residents had a week to find new homes and 25 staff lost their jobs.

Mrs Wynn-Stanley said when they moved in, the first job was to move everything out ? "and it really was absolutely everything, it looked as though everyone had just got up and left.

"All the furniture, equipment, the beds were made and the clothes dryer was full of clothes.

"The dining room table was even laid."

She said it made her and her husband feel very sad for the residents who had been there and who had lost a lovely home, "but we're making a fresh start here and it's best never to look back".

Now known as The Manor, upstairs will be home territory for the couple and their children, James, 11 and Jasmine, 9, while downstairs one of the residents' wings will be refurbished to provide homestay accommodation for nine guests.

Somebody in a wheelchair could also be catered for.

There's also ample room for a health spa with the emphasis on "health and wellness rather then pampering". The couple are well-qualified for what they have planned for the grand old lady ? Mrs Wynn-Stanley is a registered nurse and along with promoting and running the health centre, plans to set up the Cornerstone Nursing Agency recruiting from overseas and New Zealand.

Mr Wynn-Stanley is an antique restorer trained in the traditional techniques of repair and on the agenda he plans to run an antique restoration course in between the big job in restoring where possible all the antique features of the building back to its original state.

The couple are also keen to talk to anyone who can give them some information about the original home, built in 1910 which would help them in the restoration.

"We have the original plans and know for instance there was once a ballroom where there are now three rooms so it would be wonderful to have all that back again"