ASHBURN

In 2012 Ashburn Clinic celebrated its 130th anniversary as New Zealand's oldest private psychiatric hospital. Ashburn Hall (as it was first known) was established by Dr Edward William Alexander and James Hume in 1882, as a humanitarian alternative to state hospital care of the day (eg. public asylums such as Seacliff). Named after the stream running through the estate, the original stone homestead (designed by William Henry Clayton) was extended to accommodate 40 patient bedrooms and communal living areas. As well as cultivated gardens and natural bush, the property had a stable, farm buildings and grazing for farm animals. The building facilities expanded further in the early 20th century, allowing wider classification of patient illnesses and separation of treatment programmes.

Also known as: Ashburn Clinic

Primary location: Dunedin New Zealand