John, a resident at Enliven’s Huntleigh Home in Wellington, didn’t know he already had a connection to Enliven when he moved in.
It turns out his great grandmother’s home, one he has fond memories of visiting as a young boy, was Kandahar Manor, the grand villa that is now Enliven’s Kandahar Home.
Kandahar Manor, in the Masterton suburb of Lansdowne, was purchased by Presbyterian Support Central in 1956 and has since served as a rest home.
John says it is an amazing property and he has fond memories of spending time there as a young boy.
He says it was always full of people, lots of them family, and people are at the centre of his memories of the manor. Much like what you will find at Kandahar Home today.
“My fond memories are of generous people, entertaining people, encouraging people.”
Looking back on his life, John says he has always had an entrepreneurial spirit.
In 1978 he co-founded EziBuy, which is now the largest multi-channel retailer in Australasia, and later he ran a vineyard in South Auckland with his wife.
When it comes to starting a business venture, he says it’s about coming up with an idea and running with it.
“Grab the opportunity when it is there. Go all out, make it work. If you can’t make it work, you’ve got the wrong project.”
Kandahar Manor was built more than 100 years ago by real estate agent William Horton Cruickshanks. It is understood Cruickshanks named the property ‘Kandahar’ as it was located on a street named after South African War general, Frederick Roberts, who fought in Kandahar when it was part of India.
Do you have memories of the historic Kandahar Manor in Lansdowne? Enliven would love to hear from you. Email us or contact us via our Facebook page.
