Massey Homestead - Franklynne

Here stands the 1853 double brick homestead that was the home base for the famous political Massey Family for many decades, under it's stage name, Franklynne.

Now in the possession of the Auckland Council, the heritage of the estate dates back long before Massey ownership, originating with William Fairburn who was an original missionary here, then through a Mr Lynch, who built the 'English Colonial Regency' house, which was in 1890 bought by William Massey, who was seriously sad when his wooden homestead in Mangere burned down. Here the Masseys multiplied and set forth into various branches of Politics.

The extensive gardens were mainly thanks to a second generation, Frank and Dora Massey. Dora, who died in the 1950s,was the inspiration for the Franklynne Gardening Club which is still running.

Three generations later, 'Franklynne' moved into Council hands, some of the grounds having been gradually carved off for projects including Mangere East School, the homestead being currently very lightly used because of it's age.

A few accidental overlaps of titles surround the area; a Mr Buckland who owned the property for a short time before the Masseys left his name on a nearby suburb and a road, the suburb of "Massey" is actually far away in West Auckland, but there is a Massey Road here, and a handsome wooden bungalow with grounds down that road also named 'Franklynne'. And there is a Franklynne Road, but it is in Otara.

An excellent full account of the homestead and estate's heritage is on the site of Haunted Auckland, who found nothing paranormal there.

Image Credit: Auckland Libraries Special Collections