720 Sleemans Road, The Point-Glenroy, Selwyn
BOOK YOUR STAY AT GUNYAH COUNTRY ESTATE METHVEN
If an Australian Aboriginal name seems a little out of place in the foothills of Canterbury, add to it the fact that this estate is sprawling, and so it the homestead, but the title Gunyah means 'tiny hut.'
The irony may have been applied by the first owner of Gunyah, Wilfred Hall, the son of New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Hall, who had this Arts and Crafts mansion constructed in 1912. At that stage is was the part of Terrace Station near Mt Hutt. Mr Hall's wife Millicent Potts, began the extensive garden, planting specimens that survive to this day. Millicent had grown up on Mt Potts station, learning from her father Thomas Potts who was an avid botanist.
Heritage Restoration of the homestead concluded in 2014, and was rewarded with a local medal for conservation and earthquake strengthening. Remnants of original wallpapers and many original furnishings remain in place. Gunyah's present owners have relentlessly upgraded the property's gardens, which are now available to tour and included on regional garden tours.
Now the grand home that is Gunyah is a popular wedding venue, and the Granary and Stablehand Quarters been converted to self catering visitor accommodation. The hostess is European, her food is reported to be wonderful and she sells preserves from the homestead as well as online and also works as a landscape planner.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT GUNYAH COUNTRY ESTATE METHVEN
Image Credits: Booking.com
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