Waikonini Homestead

Waikonini Homestead is a seven bedroom historic home, located five minutes from the village of Peel Forest on 10 acres of lush botanic gardens. The home was built in 1882 of timber and with a corrugated iron roof for a Mr William Barker. The architect was a Mr J.P. Pritchett of Darlington, UK. The T-shaped house has a verandah and a high, vaulted roofline, typical of its period.

William Barker was one of Peel Forest's well known residents. He was an orchardist / bee-keeper and his fruits were reputed across the south island of NZ. Mr Barker also founded the Mount Peel Floral and Horticultural Society.

The gardens of Waikonini are majestic and hold the original charm that was bestowed by William Barker. Atlantis Pine, Tasmanian Blackwood, Oak and other varieties of tree frame the gardens. Mt Peel's famous Himalayan Lillies are mixed with Rhododendrons, Primroses, Violets and Strawberries. Even the original Pear and Apple trees are fruit-bearing today, over one hundred and twenty years since they were first established.

The home is as cherished today as yesteryear, painstakingly restored by its current owner and your host, Mary Casey. Under Mary's stewardship Waikonini has been painted inside and out and she has also honoured Pritchett's original plans, having a conservatory constructed and completed in 2014, in position, beside the kitchen.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT WAIKONINI HISTORIC HOMESTEAD PEEL FOREST

Image Credits: Booking.com. Text Credit: Waikonini Homestead