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Imagine recapturing the days of elegant country estates, dining in sumptuous surroundings, sleeping in the luxurious comfort of an Edwardian bedroom and hosting weekend house parties with friends ... At Holme Station you can do exactly that and more.
Located along the Pareora River Valley, just 15 minutes'
drive from Timaru, a sweeping drive gives you mesmerising views of the magnificent homestead. The two-storey property was built by the Elworthy family in 1912 and is resplendent with architectural features of the Edwardian era.
Jointly purchased four years ago by Martin and Sally Lyttelton and Gareth and Sue Morgan, Holme Station Homestead has been fastidiously restored and sympathetically refurbished for modern levels of comfort. Central heating is complemented by the ambience of log fires in massive original fireplaces, adjoining reception rooms with glowing timber floors and panelling have been opened up to provide uninterrupted flow for formal or casual dining and seating and an exterior porch has become a delightful breakfast nook.
A paved terrace overlooks the 6ha property and is an inviting spot for morning coffee, barbecues or an evening repast under the stars, while a state of the art kitchen provides high-quality appliances and food preparation areas.
Upstairs, are seven double-bedrooms and two single rooms, with the elegant proportions, bay windows, leadlight glass and high ceilings that characterised Edwardian architecture. All have been exquisitely decorated and furnished. The beautifully tiled bathrooms have double vanities, toilet and shower facilities and two of them have deep clawfoot baths for serious pampering.
All the bedrooms open to the long upstairs gallery and library where you can lose yourself in a collection of magazines and books, including historic editions and photographs relating to Holme Station and South Canterbury.
Gliding down the main staircase brings you back to the entrance hall, complete with fireplace, a baby grand piano and the mellow chime of a grandfather clock. The adjacent games room offers guests a widescreen TV and pool table.
The homestead has been specifically refurbished for wedding parties, small conferences and private groups to enjoy a weekend among friends. All you need to bring is your own food to self-cater or a local chef can be arranged. Graham Hunter, the on-site manager, will assist guests with arranging local sightseeing and activities.
"The whole concept of Holme Station was to allow people a retreat in the country with their friends,' says Martin Lyttelton.
The Elworthys were a premier farming family of South Canterbury. Edward Elworthy was born in Somerset, England, and arrived in South Canterbury in 1864, buying a half-share in the 17,000ha Pareora lease, which he developed into one of the district's largest runs.
Edward and his wife Sarah had 11 children and the original early settler cottage was extended many times to accommodate them. In 1910 the large wooden house burned down in a spectacular fire and was rebuilt in the gabled and stucco style of the day in 1912. In its heyday the house was the social hub of the district, hosting house guests, garden parties, tennis matches and dances.
Today you can revel in the peace and beauty of the South Canterbury countryside, gather some friends and enjoy an extraordinary weekend amid the elegance, luxury and history of bygone days. Be as relaxed and casual as you like, or dress up and make it an occasion. Like Henry VIII who was "monarch of all he surveyed, and surveying it found that it was good', you surely will at Holme Station.
- Detours, HoS