Historic 1919 Kiwi manor opens as luxury lodge after $9m restoration
Earnscleugh Castle is a 1919 Jacobethan mansion in Central Otago. It has opened as an adults-only luxury lodge.
Earnscleugh Castle was built in 1919 just outside Clyde on New Zealand's South Island and has opened as a luxury lodge. The 21-room mansion had a $NZ11 million restoration that was completed to the original architect's vision after sitting unfinished for over a century.
Heritage New Zealand lists the property as a Category 1 Historic Place. Earnscleugh Castle was originally commissioned by sheep farmer Stephen Spain.
He had made money from a rabbit-canning factory. The factory processed 15,000 rabbits daily for export during World War I. The restoration added a formal dining room, library and ballroom while preserving the building's heritage character.
Guests now enjoy individually styled rooms, a swimming pool, sauna and spa. They can also enjoy wine and charcuterie.
- NZ11 million
- Restoration cost
- 1919
- Built
- 21
- Rooms
- 15,000 daily
- Rabbit factory output
Why it mattersThe reopening shows that abandoned historic buildings can be given new life as tourist attractions. This draws visitors and money to regional areas.
AustraliaAustralians can now book luxury stays at a historically significant Central Otago property, a two-to-three hour drive from Christchurch.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 d ago
