University of Otago鈥檚 Professorial Houses, Dunedin
The University of Otago鈥檚 Professorial Houses are among the most architecturally and historically significant structures on the Dunedin campus. Located along St David Street at the northern edge of the university grounds, these elegant residences were originally built between 1878 and 1879 to accommodate the institution鈥檚 earliest professors and their families. Designed as part of architect Maxwell Bury鈥檚 original scheme, the houses form a key component of a broader ensemble that includes the iconic Clocktower Building, the Chemistry Building, and the School of Mines.
The Professorial Houses stand out for their distinctive domestic Gothic or romantic Gothic style, which incorporated elements of the emerging Queen Anne movement popularized by British architect Richard Norman Shaw. These red-brick structures were notable for their narrow but tall three-storey profiles, gabled roofs, and a mix of roof and window shapes that initially startled conservative tastes in Dunedin. Despite early skepticism, the homes were praised for their generous interiors and dignified presence. They were arranged in two well-balanced blocks, separated by private gardens and screened from the main campus by plantings, giving them a sense of quiet autonomy within the growing university precinct.
Initially, the residences were allocated based on academic seniority rather than by name. Among the first occupants were Professor John Shand (Mathematics and Natural Philosophy), Professor Duncan MacGregor (Mental and Moral Philosophy), Professor James Gow Black (Chemistry), and Professor Frederick Hutton (Natural Science). Over time, changes in faculty and the needs of the university led to a reshuffling of residents. By the mid-20th century, the buildings were no longer private homes; instead, they were gradually converted into departmental offices and classrooms, marking a shift in function while preserving their historical integrity.
Today, the Professorial Houses are known by the names of influential early academics鈥擲hand, MacGregor, Black, and Sale鈥攁nd continue to play an active role in university life. Scott Shand House now hosts Student Services, while Black Sale House is used by the University Flats program and the Department of Music.
The Professorial Houses stand out for their distinctive domestic Gothic or romantic Gothic style, which incorporated elements of the emerging Queen Anne movement popularized by British architect Richard Norman Shaw. These red-brick structures were notable for their narrow but tall three-storey profiles, gabled roofs, and a mix of roof and window shapes that initially startled conservative tastes in Dunedin. Despite early skepticism, the homes were praised for their generous interiors and dignified presence. They were arranged in two well-balanced blocks, separated by private gardens and screened from the main campus by plantings, giving them a sense of quiet autonomy within the growing university precinct.
Initially, the residences were allocated based on academic seniority rather than by name. Among the first occupants were Professor John Shand (Mathematics and Natural Philosophy), Professor Duncan MacGregor (Mental and Moral Philosophy), Professor James Gow Black (Chemistry), and Professor Frederick Hutton (Natural Science). Over time, changes in faculty and the needs of the university led to a reshuffling of residents. By the mid-20th century, the buildings were no longer private homes; instead, they were gradually converted into departmental offices and classrooms, marking a shift in function while preserving their historical integrity.
Today, the Professorial Houses are known by the names of influential early academics鈥擲hand, MacGregor, Black, and Sale鈥攁nd continue to play an active role in university life. Scott Shand House now hosts Student Services, while Black Sale House is used by the University Flats program and the Department of Music.
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University of Otago鈥檚 Professorial Houses on Map
Sight Name: University of Otago鈥檚 Professorial Houses
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour
Dunedin, located on New Zealand鈥檚 South Island, is a city where Scottish heritage meets dramatic natural landscapes. Known for its rich academic, architectural, and cultural legacy, the city is home to the University of Otago鈥攖he country鈥檚 oldest university鈥攁nd a vibrant student population that infuses the area with energy. Visitors will notice the city鈥檚 distinctive 19th-century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk
The University of Otago campus in Dunedin is renowned for its collection of historic buildings that showcase a rich blend of architectural styles, reflecting the institution鈥檚 long academic legacy since its founding in 1869. At its heart lies the iconic Clocktower Building, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture completed in the 1870s, built from locally sourced dark basalt and Oamaru... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles