Sherie Coakes and Bret Jenkins

Wheelchair access

7 High St, Morpeth

Beyond the gates lies a garden that has quietly watched the seasons change for generations. Set within one of Morpeth’s most historic homes, our gardens are a place of towering trees, winding paths, heritage charm and peaceful spaces that invite you to slow down.

Kiora, is one of Morpeth’s finest Victorian residences, built in 1879 for John Hogan, a prominent local businessman who later served as the Mayor of Morpeth in 1907. The house name, inspired by the Māori expression “kia ora”, conveys welcome, wellbeing and goodwill and reflects Hogan’s NZ/Aotearoa family heritage. The house is listed on the local LEP and has recently also been listed by the National Trust of Australia.

The house reflects the prosperity and social prominence of Morpeth during its development as a prosperous river port, and its association with Hogan and reputed visits by prominent guests such as NSW government officials and the NZ All Blacks team in 1903 strengthen its connection with the town’s civic history.  The house displays many of the elegant architectural features of the late Victorian period, including decorative cast-iron columns and lacework (potentially from the old Simms Foundary in Morpeth), ornate timber detailing, and pressed tin ceilings in the formal rooms.  Despite falling into disrepair during the late twentieth century, former owners have brought this beauty back to life.

The garden is still very much a work in progress, Sherie Coakes and Bret Jenkins, since purchasing the property in 2024, are bringing the house and garden back to its original splendour. Over the past 18 months, they have renovated the verandahs, restored the fountain and rose arbours, installed heritage fencing, re-established a small orchard at the back of the house, updated watering systems and have removed approximately 5 tonnes of cuttings and weeds from the gardens that border the property.

The gardens encompass some very old feature trees such as two large Hoop Pines, a Bunya Pine, Chinese Elm, Moreton Bay Figs, Lemon Scented Gums, English Oaks, Camphor Laurels, a Jacaranda, an Ornamental Pear and a twisted old peppercorn; with a number of climbing roses, including Rosa Bracteata. 

Briar rose and box hedges frame the front of the house, springing into yellow and white blooms in early spring. These are complemented by heritage plantings of agapanthus, clivia and liriope, which are being reestablished, along with lavender, crepe myrtles and floribunda roses. Beautiful purple wisteria, several old camelias and an ornamental grape also surround the house.