Liburn Residence Trust purchases Lilburn's former residence

After a hectic six weeks of fundraising, the keys of Douglas Lilburn's former home were today handed to the Lilburn Residence Trust. The house and quiet bushy surroundings in Thorndon Wellington will now become New Zealand's first residence for composers.

Professor, Les Holborow, chair of the Lilburn Residence Trust commented, "Knowing that the house will remain in the music community is a tremendous relief. Lilburn lived there for over 40 years and so the property carries a great deal of cultural history. We are now looking forward to continuing that in the coming years."
Set a task of raising over $275,000 before the end of July, contributions have been received from friends, family, musicians and many generous individuals from all around New Zealand. Together with a grant of $150,000 from Lotteries Environment and Heritage Committee, the purchase price of $427,000 was almost met by the deadline. Only about $35,000 remains to be raised, and at present this is being managed through a short-term no interest loan from a generous member of the composing community. Professor Holborow concluded, "During the campaign we have come to know many generous and sympathetic people, whose support has been very important to our success. We look forward to their continued involvement in the Residence."
The Lilburn Residence Trust intends to ensure that the house is available as accommodation for visiting composers and for the recipient of the Creative NZ Victoria University Composer Residency. Gillian Whitehead, the recipient of the CNZ-Victoria Residency for 2005/2006 will be the first composer to take up residence in Douglas' former home. While the most important step of securing the purchase of the houise has been taken the Lilburn Residence Trust will have an ongoing need for support to outfit and maintain the property. Check their website: www.lilburnresidence.org.nz for more information or download a pdf of their brochure here [pdf: 368kb]. You can contact the Lilburn Residence Trust by e-mail: lilburnresidence@paradise.net.nz, or by mailing to or calling c/- SOUNZ - POBox 10 042, Wellington, +64 4 801 8602. Back to 2005 News Archive list