Fernside
A Country House

'My Favourite New Zealand Country Home'

Inextricably woven into the history of New Zealand, Fernside features in one of the original exhibits at The Museum of New Zealand and was described by Lord Bledisloe as "... my favourite New Zealand country home because of its elegance, appointments and delightful garden setting."

Located three kilometres from Featherston in the heart of the South Wairarapa and only one hour's drive from Wellington, Fernside offers the best of all worlds in this spectacular yet relaxed sanctuary.

The land was settled in the 1870s. The current house dates back 80 years and remains largely unaltered with its English floor plan and American Colonial detailing. Its universal appeal was recognised by the American Government when it purchased Fernside as an Ambassadorial residence in the 1950's.

A two kilometre drive secures the privacy of the grand and inviting two storey structure. The family wing faces north for maximum sunlight and the servants' wing houses generous service areas including a 'farmhouse' kitchen, office and other amenities still used on a daily basis.

A gated carriage way and walled courtyard lead to a commanding front door, foyer and hallway. The drawing room adjoins a large yet snug library and a sunroom with expansive views of the main lawn which is accessible through several sets of French doors. Such is the size of the drawing room that a grand piano stands unobtrusively in one corner. Across the hall facing the courtyard is the formal dining room that can comfortably host a banquet for 20 or more. All three rooms have substantial open fires.

Up the grand staircase (or in the lift) four ensuite bedrooms, two with dressing rooms give full meaning to the term 'generous'. All rooms have wonderful yet unique garden views with the master bedroom also having a balcony overlooking the main lawn. Additional upstairs accommodation in the original servants' quarters is accessed by its own staircase.

Fernside offers the opportunity to enjoy one of New Zealand's oldest and grandest gardens which recently featured in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.

These mysterious and beautiful gardens were first established around 1870. English in style with a little New Zealand flavour, the gardens are seasonal and feature stunning autumn colours as the grand deciduous trees prepare for winter. A brilliant display of spring flowers and shrubs soon follows together with many native bird species.

The park-like environment has a number of water features, abundant wildlife and many ornamental structures including walls of various descriptions and several outbuildings. A magnificent Shipgood sandstone sculpture that resides in the lake is a recent addition.

My favourite New Zealand country home indeed!

Click here to visit the Fernside website for more details

Proudly offered for sale by Tender, closing Thursday 11th October 2007 at 1pm (not selling prior)