Beaufords, built in the 1920s, was originally the homestead for James Gunson, Mayor of Auckland. Gunson owned all of Totara Park, which he used as farmland, with Beaufords as the centerpiece of his estate.

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In 1947, the property was sold to Charles Prevost, a wealthy wool merchant. Alongside his wife, Yvonne, Prevost transformed the house into a luxurious holiday retreat. During Charles’s frequent absences, Yvonne became known for hosting glamorous, yet often scandalous, parties at the property.

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In 1968, Beaufords was sold to the Manukau City Council. Today, it is recognized as a Category A* scheduled historic heritage place.