Built in 1888, the eight room kauri villa stands on a one acre section, half of the original two acres purchased by Sheppard and her husband  Walter in 1887. Kate became a nationally recognised figure for leading a nationwide campaign for women’s enfranchisement from 1887 to 1893 and as a leader of the National Council of Women working for social reform.

Her Ilam home was where she spent crucial years of the campaign (1888 to 1893) writing articles and letters, organising and sending out pamphlets, preparing speeches and directing women’s organisations throughout New Zealand.