Stunning HISTORIC HOME IN OTAGO'S "Jewel"

Once a home to Central Otago's medical elite, the 'Old Doctor's Residence' at 58 Derwent Street now welcomes guests from all over the world. Jordan Gowan uncovers the story behind this charming character home in Naseby.

Originally built in the 1870s as a goldminer’s cottage, this distinguished villa forms part of historic Naseby, a town often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Maniototo’.

Named for the succession of town doctors who lived here, the ‘Residence’ offers a desirable country lifestyle. The accommodation includes three bedrooms and bathrooms, a classic kitchen and beautiful main lounge with big bay windows, a wooden floor and woodburner.

Rose gardens and a climbing vine on the verandah give the home’s front a total ‘picture book’ look, while the back veggie gardens, garage and large outdoor utility room (complete with a washing machine/dryer/ sink/freezer and wine cellar) are styled to complement the house.

It’s seemingly a place made for creating stories, with owners Bob and Dallas recounting their own adventure which led them here.

“By chance we stayed at the ‘Old Doctor’s Residence’ when we were riding the Central Otago Rail Trail about 3 years ago,” they remember.

“It was love at first sight! The house was everything we hoped for in a quality heritage property with current income (luxury Bed & Breakfast), set in a remarkable part of the country. We feel privileged to be part of a living history”

Away from big tourist towns, Naseby offers the idyllic country lifestyle most can only dream of, full of peace, privacy and community. It also boasts an incredible outdoors with the Ida, Kakanui and Hawdun ranges providing an everchanging backdrop for the fantastic walking/biking trails nearby.

The ‘Old Doctor’s Residence’ currently operates as an established B&B and, as there is no other highend accommodation nearby, provides a guaranteed income during the Rail Trail season (September-April). It could also make a perfect family/ holiday home or investment opportunity.

With house prices increasing in Central Otago, there’s no better time to buy in Naseby while prices remain low. It’s an extremely rare opportunity to live in an untouched historic town, in a remarkable property which, for Bob and Dallas, means not just the house, but the place and the people.

“Living here has a real feeling of a golden time gone by. It’s a place like no other and we’ll miss it very much.”

"The house was everything we hoped for in a quality heritage property with current income (luxury Bed & Breakfast), set in a remarkable part of the country."