The large homes built by wealthy early settlers were predominantly built with timber and many of these were destroyed by fire, or in the 1950’s – 60’s demolished to make way for ‘progress’. The cities of Dunedin and Christchurch were among the first settled and Auckland and Wellington were mere ‘canvas towns’ to the mid to late 1800’s.
The Manse is one of the original Hawke’s Bay homes built for the local vicar in 1910. This elegant homestead has now been restored to an exclusive luxury country retreat
Bronte Country Estates a beautiful historic homestead built for the Fraser family and originally surrounded by apple orchards. Five individual suites and villas to capture the magnificent views and fascinating birdlife of the estuary.
The Classic Villa is beautifully appointed Italian style Historic home erected on part of the land chosen in the early settle of Christchurch by the Reverend John Raven and known as Ravens Paddock. Recently renovated, extended and tastefully refurbished to provide fine boutique hotel accommodation in central Christchurch.
Historic Pen-y-bryn Lodge carries a Category One Heritage classification. One of the largest private wooden homes in Australasia, now a small luxury boutique hotel offering exclusive Lodge-style accommodation with exquisite cuisine.
