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New Zealand Historic Homes

Larnach Castle -commanding the Otago Peninsula

Larnach Lodge

Larnach Castle was built by William Larnach, a banker who started his career on the goldfields of South Australia. He moved with the goldrush to Dunedin where he managed the Bank of Otago, and became a Member of parlament in the budding colony. No expense was spared in the building of his castle, affectionately called "The Camp". Marble came from Italy, slate from Wales, tiles from Endland, glass from Venice and France. In 1884 a 3000 square foot Ballroom was also added for his favourite daughter Kate's 21st birthday.
Unfortunately the family had problems. Daughter Kate died in her twenties. Larnach was widowed twice and had three different wives. And Larnach himself had financial problems. In 1898 he shot himself in a parliamentary stateroom.
Since then the house has led a chequered life, being badly neglected at times. The Barker family who own it today have undertaken extensive restoration both of the house and the gardens. A lodge has been built offering individually themed guestrooms and the stables have been restored to provide comfortable rooms with share facilities.

History beneath the Southern Alps

Gunyah Country Lodge

Gunyah Lodge was built in 1912 for the son of former Prime Minister, Sir John Hall and its exceptional calibre is endorsed by its New Zealand Historic Places Listing. It is also recognised by the National Business Review as one of the country's Top One Hundred Houses for its historical significance and its Arts and Crafts Movement architecture.
Gunyah was once part of Terrace Station, one of the biggest holdings in Canterbury, and still retains its original granary and stables.
The Edwardian elegance of the homestead features rich mahogany panelling, native timber beams, and floors of jarrah and rimu woods, which, combined with generous fireplaces, create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The house is furnished with the largest private collection of colonial antiques in New Zealand. Another part of this collection was recently acquired by Te Papa, the National Museum in Wellington.

Corstorphine House - historic homestead

Corstorphine House

Corstorphine House is the original home of the Sidey family in Dunedin. The estate gave its name to the suburb which bears the name today. The Sidey family played a significant role in the history of Dunedin with Sir Thomas Sidey serving as a member of Parliament and his son of the same name being Mayor of Dunedin for some time. The house served for a time as a Presbyterian Girl's home.
The house, conservatory, stables, gazebo and gateway, now registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, together with 12 hectares of land, were purchased by Irina and Nico Francken in March 1998, since when they have lovingly restored and adapted this historic Dunedin home as a boutique hotel and restaurant.
Today Corstorphine house offers world-class accommodation, fine dining, an idyllic garden and plenty of room to relax, rejoice and rejuvenate.

 

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