Larnach Castle
Larnach Castle is located on the ridge of the Otago Peninsula in Dunedin, New Zealand. Entrepreneur and politician, William Larnach, built the Gothic Revival castle in 1871. After Williamβs death, the following legal battles over his will had the Larnach family selling the home in 1906. During the 20thcentury, the property changed hands numerous times and underwent updates, but by 1967 the castle was in poor condition. The castle had been used as an insane asylum, a hospital for shell-shocked soldiers, and a nunsβ retreat. The castle was then purchased by the Barker family, who restored the castle, added the award-winning gardens, and retrieved some of the original period furnishings for the home. The forty-three-room castle boasts exposed verandahs, a 3,000 square foot ballroom, and intricately carved ceilings, which took years to complete. The castle sits on 35 acres, which includes a variety of gardens, a stable with six guest rooms, and a lodge that has twelve themed rooms. Larnach Castle serves as a tourist attraction and is open to the public for tours, events, and weddings. The castle offers a gift shop, a cafΓ©, and beautiful tower views.
