Barfoot & Thompson agent Jane Klee says nothing can prepare you for the experience of seeing Castle Claremont in person. The 14-bedroom property was built with the finest granite at the end of the 19th century, taking artisans three years to complete.
âStone masons and carpenters were sourced from England to come and build this exceptional home, and much of the interior woodwork was imported too. It has stood as a sentinel overlooking the district for 135-plus years - five generations - and will stand for many, many more,â she says in her listing.
The property was one time the residence of Lord Ranfurly as Governor of NZ, but TV fans will recognise it as the backdrop to the second and third seasons of The Traitors NZ (see link to earlier article about the property), hosted at the time by Act Party hopeful Paul Henry.
The current owner, Robert Young, picked it up some 20 years ago for $1.5m, telling OneRoof last year that he decided to buy within 30 minutes of setting foot on the estate.
âI came up the driveway and said to the driver, âWait, Iâm having this, I wonât be longâ, and I was in and out within half an hour, and that was it â done.â
Over the years, he has hosted weddings, garden parties and vintage car meets at the estate, and run the main home as an Airbnb.
The castle's interior detailing is rich and elegant, with a dazzling array of authentic features and furnishings adorning the rooms. Upstairs there are a total of 10 bedrooms, âthree of which are larger than many Auckland apartments and have their own ensuitesâ.
Nannies and servants have their own quarters. Also on the grounds of the 11.6ha estate are a chapel, a conference hall, two separate two-bedroom units and a forest.
Link to the listing