04-07-2025
Billy's namesake approves
William Paterson is impressed with Ayrburn's restored Billy's Homestead — named after his great-grandfather, William Paterson. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Visiting newly restored Ayrburn homestead Billy's — the last food and beverage venue in a sprawling hospo precinct near Arrowtown — was extra special for Eastern Southland farmer William Paterson last weekend.
Billy's is named after his identically named great-grandfather, William Paterson, one of the Whakatipu's pioneering farmers who farmed Ayrburn from the 1860s till he died in 1910.
Paterson senior established Ayrburn soon after the district was first settled — 'Ayr' was named after the town he was born in, in West Kilbride, Scotland, in 1834.
At first he and his wife Bessie lived in a weatherboard home by Mill Creek, which burnt down, and then where The Burr Bar is today, before they moved into their homestead — which had five fireplaces, nine chimneys and three lounges — in the 1890s.
In 1904 they hosted the district's first A&P show.
Paterson's son Rupert Murray took over the farm before it was sold and shifted out of the family's hands in 1940.
Queenstown-born William Paterson junior says he's impressed with how the latterly dilapidated homestead — which reopens as a Chinese-inspired restaurant on Saturday — has been restored.
"They've been very respectful, really, and considerate, and they've done a fantastic job — they could have bulldozed it down and built a golf course."
He adds: "I would like to acknowledge the great work done by Chris Meehan and his team at Winton in preserving and maintaining the buildings for future generations and, while respecting and acknowledging the past, creating a destination for all to enjoy.
"It is great to see them protecting and enhancing water quality in Mill Creek and Lake Hayes in conjunction with local water care people.
"I am sure our ancestors would be well pleased."
