Albion Vale was built in 1879 by Thomas Parr, a pioneer
orchardist and nurseryman in Oratia. It has been restored to
its original design after being used for many years as a
roadhouse. This building has significance in its
relationship with the early settlers and the architectural
style. The slate roof, Chicago-style windows, and rusticated
weatherboards are features no longer commonly found in
Oratia.
The dwelling is a two-storey wooden building with hip
roof verandahs on both floors at the front and a hip roofed
extension one storey high at the rear. The site also
contains magnolia and oak trees from the original Parr
Nursery which are of significant merit.
