New Zealand

Larnach Castle

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It’s no dream: the fuzzy white dots really are dozens of sheep, the green fields do roll down to the sapphire-blue sea and this bucolic picture is the view from a castle near the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island, of all places.

In a part of the world where penguins waddle on white-sand beaches, 151-year-old Larnach Castle (larnachcastle.co.nz) – 40 kilometres up winding country roads from Dunedin Airport – is even more curious. It could have something to do with the Alice in Wonderland-inspired statues hidden in the extensive gardens (a figure of Alice stands among the roses) or the strangeness of a turrets-and-towers pile so far from the British throne. More for the masses than the monarchy, the family-owned castle is a popular site for weddings, school balls and film shoots and even has celebrity fans, actor Daniel Craig being a fitting example.

There are several accommodation options but the most luxurious is Camp Estate (campestate.co.nz), 500 metres from the Castle. Each of its five guestrooms has a gas fireplace, big cosy beds and neo-Classical details, such as chandeliers. Dinner is served in one of the Castle’s dining rooms, with a “trust the chef” menu part of the experience (it’s New Zealand so expect lamb and fish).

Margaret Barker, who’s owned Larnach Castle since 1967, says the outlook from her eyrie never gets old. “My favourite thing is the light. You’re in the sky and the wonderful light interior reflects it.”

Craig isn’t the only high-profile Brit who’s checked the Castle out: sales and marketing manager Deborah Price says senior members of the royal family have also made private visits. One wonders what they thought of the views.