Larnach Castle may be small by European standards, but it's clear William Larnach had more than a simple bungalow in mind when he set about constructing this masterpiece in 1871. He hired 200 workmen who toiled for 3 years just to build the shell. So complex were the plans! A host of European master craftsmen then took another 12 years to complete the interior.
And what an interior it is. The carved foyer ceiling alone took three craftsmen 6 1/2 years to finish. The Georgian hanging staircase is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere, and it sits comfortably with the best of everything that Larnach incorporated. Italian marble, slate came for Wales, tiles from England and glass from Venice were all used in the construction. A 3000 foot ballroom was added as was a colonial verandah. From the top tower, you get the most amazing view with 360 degree views all over Dunedin, the peninsula and the Harbour.
Larnach came to New Zealand from Australia in the late 1860s to set up the first Bank of Otago. He later became a Member of Parliament, but with three marriages behind him and a family history dotted with scandal and misfortune, he committed suicide in the Parliament Buildings in Wellington. The information booklet at the castle has lots of information on the various stories.
After his death, the crown used the castle as a mental hospital. For the past 38 years, it has been the home of Margaret Barker and her family, who have committed themselves to its restoration. Pick up the self-guiding pamphlet at the reception area and wander as you wish.
Highcliff Road, Otago Penuinsula, Dunedin.
03 476 1616
