Tatum has a well deserved reputation as a premier wedding venue, conference centre, dining experience and more … what is less well known is the superb interior design work that has seen Tatum transformed internally while maintaining the external historic grandeur of the old Homestead.
Tatum manager Catherine Hunt, having studied interior design, says getting the look just right was a priority.
“We worked on the project for over a year and it started with devising what we wanted to achieve for the clients who would be using Tatum. Doing the interior design was a great experience and it was treated like an art project,” says Catherine.
And the reality is, this was mission accomplished. It was interesting to note just how many visitors came to look at the interior design work that encompasses olde worlde charm and elegance with a chic aesthetic that is completely fit for purpose. In short, it works really well.
“We really wanted to encapsulate the era of the Homestead theme from 1912 as a focal point. It was a huge job,” says Catherine.
Tatum Homestead has had a new roof and extensive renovations, leaving a look that restores the grandeur of a venerated establishment.
Tatum Homestead has also quickly become an absolute go-to venue for weddings.
“We were determined to have a venue that wedding parties would long remember after the big day,” says Catherine.
Upstairs is a bridal suite, along with a lounge area for the bridal party, a hair and make-up room. A balcony looks out of the lawn and garden area.
“There is luxury accommodation to sleep 84 plus another 29 accommodation units on site. We cater for celebrations big or small and take casual bookings for accommodation,” says Catherine, who has previously worked around the world in hospitality including a stint in the South of France.
Utilisation of the full venue space has seen the development of multiple dedicated indoor and outdoor event spaces suitable to host up to 200 plus; as well as smaller event spaces for more intimate gatherings.
Catherine says “the wide choice of indoor event spaces takes away the stress caused by any changes in the weather – although we are usually pretty lucky up the coast.”
Additional to being an ideal wedding venue, Tatum attracts many casual diners to the restaurant Jamboree – a nod to the former life of the venue as a Scouting base from the 1940s that held national and international scouting jamborees.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have our in-house Head Chef, Ray Parimathawut, and his team creating a high level of catering options with his own unique creative flair,” says Catherine.
She says Ray is incredibly versatile with an extensive knowledge of international cuisine, and a passion for creating memorable culinary experiences with a focus on showcasing local seasonal produce.
History of Tatum Park – “Tatum” is derived from the Saxon term meaning “happy home.”
Tatum, built in 1912, was once the residence of Major and Lady Tatum. It was built by a local builder who rode his bicycle to work at Tatum each day from Ōtaki. Over the years, Tatum gained a reputation for its splendid gardens, scenic bush walks, and enchanting aviaries, making it a beloved destination for locals and their families.
Seeing the venue returned to its former glory plus superb new additions, is testimony to the enormous work, vitality and enthusiasm of the current Tatum owners.
Photos by Esmarelda Noble
