Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)

Overview

Larnach Castle, a Gothic Revival residence, was built for businessman and politician William Larnach. Designed by architect R.A. Lawson and constructed beginning in 1871, the house incorporated materials from New Zealand and overseas, while a ballroom completed in 1887 was added as a 21st birthday gift for Larnach’s daughter Kate.

The property eventually included 43 rooms, extensive grounds and a large working farm. After Larnach’s death in 1898, the family sold the estate in 1906.

The building passed through several owners and uses before Barry and Margaret Barker purchased it in 1967 and began a long-term restoration. Larnach Castle today operates as a visitor attraction, event venue and accommodation property, and its gardens have been recognized by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

Quick Facts

Status
Existing
Locality or neighborhood
Dunedin
State or province
Otago
Country
New Zealand
Postal code
9077

Visitor Information

About Sightseers’ Delight 996 Articles
Sightseers’ Delight started publishing in June 2016. The site, published by The DeFeo Groupe, collects and curates content about places where historical events large and small happened. The site builds off the legacy of The Travel Trolley, which launched in June 2009. The site aimed to be a virtual version of the trolley tours offered in so many cities.