US
ABOUT
From THE BEGINNING - Hill House CafE
In 2021, Peter and Ricardo opened Hill House Café, a tiny spot tucked inside Nathan Homestead in Manurewa — just 20 seats, a small kitchen, and a whole lot of heart. From day one, people doubted it would work. The location was tucked away, the timing was uncertain, and then, just five days after opening, New Zealand was plunged into its longest lockdown.
But instead of closing the doors, Peter (with zero web design experience) built a website overnight. The team began baking fresh each morning, loading cars with boxes of cinnamon buns, scones, and cakes, and hand-delivering them to the community. Locals came for walks, waved through the café windows, and picked up boxes at the door. Hill House quickly became more than a café — it was a small spark of connection and comfort in a time when people needed it most.
GROWING THROUGH CHALLENGES
Fast forward to 2024, Hill House had grown into a bustling hub welcoming thousands every weekend. Then came the blow: a letter from Auckland Council informed us Nathan Homestead would close for earthquake strengthening. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under us.
But then came a lifeline: Jan and Anita from The Arts House Trust offered us a new home at the beautiful Pah Homestead. In April 2024, Hill House moved into its new space — bigger, bolder, and busier than ever.
A FARM, A VILLA, A VISION
Not long after, an unexpected opportunity came knocking. A tractor ride around a 140-acre farm in Clevedon changed everything. The land, the heritage villa, the animals, the fruit trees — it felt instantly like home. By November 2024, Farm House Café opened its doors.
Now set on a working farm with bees, buffalo, chickens, and orchards, Farm House Café is a celebration of everything we’ve learned along the way: community, resilience, and the magic of sharing food. We grow what we can, source locally, and stay grounded in sustainability and heart.
TODAY AND TOMORROW
Hill House Café is more than just a café — it’s part of the creative heartbeat of Auckland. Step inside the historic Pah Homestead in Monte Cecilia Park, and you’ll find a place where art, history, and hospitality come together in the most delicious way. The scent of freshly baked scones, our signature cinnamon buns, and locally roasted coffee fills the air, wrapping you in warmth the moment you walk through the door.
Our team is vibrant, welcoming, and full of life — faces you’ll get to know and love, who greet you like old friends and make every visit feel special. They’re the pulse of the café, bringing energy, care, and creativity to every plate and every guest.
Set within one of Auckland’s most iconic heritage spaces, Hill House overlooks rolling parkland and sculpture gardens, with the hum of art and culture all around. It’s a place where you can slow down with a coffee after exploring the gallery, enjoy a long brunch in the sun, or indulge in our beautifully crafted High Tea — an experience that feels as artful as the surroundings themselves.
You’ll often see the owners — Peter, Leilana, and Mike — moving through the café, greeting guests, sharing stories, and making sure every detail feels just right. Hill House has always been about connection — people coming together over good food, good company, and a sense of belonging.
And while Hill House hums with city charm, it’s closely tied to its countryside sister café, Farm House Clevedon. The same hands that tend the gardens, churn the gelato, and gather fresh ingredients on the farm help inspire the menus here — a beautiful link between rural roots and urban creativity.
Hill House Café is a space for community, celebration, and inspiration — from weekend brunches and art-filled afternoons to private functions and special events. It’s where history meets heart, and every moment feels a little bit special.
Looking ahead, our story continues — two cafés, one shared spirit. Hill House Café and Farm House Clevedon — connected by creativity, fuelled by passion, and always driven by the joy of bringing people together.
