About the House

From 1953 Colin McCahon, his wife Anne and their four children William, Victoria, Catherine and Matthew, lived in a small house at 67 Otitori Bay Road, Titirangi, until they moved to Partridge Street, Arch Hill in 1960.

McCahon made many alterations to the house in the years that the family lived there; some further changes were made after the McCahons left; but to a surprising extent the house has been preserved much as it was in 1960.

The McCahon House Trust (with the support of the Waitakere City Council) has elected to purchase and preserve the house, partly in honour of Colin McCahon’s achievements as an artist during the years that he lived there, and partly because it is a highly characteristic example of the kind of dwelling—the weekend  bach—that was very common half a century ago in places like Titirangi but which seldom survives in original condition today. The French Bay House represents a unique piece of cultural and social history.

Getting There

Address:
67 Otitori Bay Road
French Bay
Titirangi

Titirangi is a village nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Waitakere Ranges just thirty minutes drive to the west of the Auckland CBD. The McCahon House is just 5 minutes drive from the village with its cafes and the historic Lopdell House, home to Waitakere’s regional gallery.

By car:

Please park with consideration for the neighbours.

By bus:

Stagecoach buses run to the Titirangi village and part way down Otitori Bay Road. Bus route number 108. Check www.stagecoach.co.nz for timetables.

Visitor Hours

The McCahon House is open to the public the following hours:
Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday 10am - 2pm.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter weekend

Suggested donation for adults only of $5.

Recommendations
We recommend clothing suitable for the outdoors and flat footwear.

Due to the steep terrain the McCahon House visit is not recommended for people with restricted mobility and does not have wheelchair access.

Group Bookings

The McCahon House is open to special interest groups and secondary schools for guided tours of the house. For further information contact us.

Preservation work was completed in August 2006 when the house was opened to the public for visits.