Oamaru homestead has add-value potential
A lovingly restored O¯ amaru stone Victorian homestead, with rich historical ties to the emergence of New Zealand’s agricultural economy, is for sale for only the third time in 150 years.
Totara Estate Homestead is a nationally significant period house set on 5.6ha of secluded grounds, just 8km from O¯ amaru’s town centre.
Colliers has been exclusively appointed to market the property at 583 Alma Maheno Road, O¯ amaru, for sale by deadline private treaty closing at 4pm on Wednesday 7 May, unless it sells earlier.
The 18-room homestead was built in 1868 as the main home for a large Scottishowned farming enterprise, which pioneered New Zealand’s frozen meat and dairy industries.
It is constructed of imposing Oamaru ¯ stone and boasts many impressive heritage features including ornate plaster ceilings and cornices, period wallpaper, Baltic pine joinery, and timber and tile flooring.
Colliers agent Ruth Hodges said it is rare for such a significant piece of New Zealand colonial history to come to the market.
“Totara Estate Homestead provides an exceptional opportunity to secure a prestigious country estate with one of the finest period houses to be found in the beautiful
South Island.
“It is a truly special property, as reflected by its Category 2 Heritage NZ listing for historic, architectural, aesthetic and archaeological significance.”
Lived in by only a handful of families, the 650sqm homestead has been painstakingly restored and maintained by current owners George and Carol Berry, who purchased the property in 1973.
Hodges said that the property would
make an exceptional country home to enjoy, or a unique business asset with potential for boutique accommodation, hospitality and events. “The two-storey homestead and its ancillary stone buildings have been fully restored and modernised, with great care taken to preserve the many Victorian period features. “
The main house boasts seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, a parlour, drawing room, large formal dining room and countrystyle kitchen.
The former staff wing is set up as a separate apartment and would make an ideal manager’s residence if the main wing were adapted as guest accommodation.
Two ancillary stone buildings, originally built as a dairy and cold store, have been restored and repurposed as a billiards room, wine cellar and vault. There is also a woolshed and covered yards which could easily be converted to a function centre.
“The buildings are set on a beautifully landscaped, elevated site with feature stone walls, a tennis court, grazing paddocks and picturesque gardens – perfect for weddings and other outdoor events.”
In 1981, the Berry family transferred part of the estate to Heritage New Zealand, and the original O¯ amaru stone farm buildings are now a heritage museum which is open to the public.
Hodges said the property is superbly positioned to capitalise on its proximity to O¯ amaru, a popular tourist destination famous for its penguin colony and the limestone architecture of the Victorian Precinct. It is also the finishing point for the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail.
“Totara Estate Homestead is an exciting investment for a discerning buyer, or an ideal private retreat on the doorstep to fantastic amenity.”