583 Alma-Maheno Road, Oamaru, Waitaki, Otago

Totara House represents the ultimate opportunity to own a prominent historic Oamaru stone country manor, set amongst an exquisite back drop which has historical significance aligned with New Zealand’s early agricultural export beginnings. Totara Estate Homestead is a nationally significant period house built in 1868 set on 5.6ha of idyllic, secluded grounds, within a short drive of Oamaru township.

The 650 m2 homestead is constructed of solid Oamaru stone, and includes an abundance of heritage features which have been lovingly restored and maintained under the current owners careful guardianship. Baltic pine joinery and original ornate plaster ceilings with cornices grace this majestic home which has been sympathetically modernised whilst celebrating the charm and grace of the Victorian era. The 18 room homestead offers an exceptional country home for the new owners to enjoy, or there is potential to offer boutique accommodation, and perhaps even host events. It is a very special and revered property, with a Category 2 Heritage NZ listing cementing its significance.

The two-storey homestead and its ancillary buildings have been restored and modernised, with care taken to preserve the many striking Victorian period features. Within the home, the main family wing includes six bedrooms, a parlour, drawing room, elegant formal dining room and renovated country-style kitchen with attached family dining room. This large dining area was once the original kitchen, and still houses the butler sink and Shacklock coal and wood range in perfect working order, only adding to the original charm and character. The former staff wing is accessed from this room, and able to be used as a separate apartment. This wing includes the seventh bedroom, a kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and a sunroom - and even includes a separate entrance and driveway. The estate’s buildings were constructed from Oamaru stone locally hand-cut by Scottish tradesmen, and the Baltic pine features were imported from the UK on the ship Star of Tasmania. It is classic Victorian in layout, with a central front entrance and hallway with staircase, and a veranda framing the exterior entrance. Within the homestead are some discerning original furnishings which the owners intend to leave for the future custodians of this fine manor.

There are working open fireplaces in the drawing room, parlour, formal dining room and the apartment living room. The home is fully insulated and easily heated with an extensive central heating system. The double-sash windows have been completely overhauled in recent times, and luxurious drapes and wall coverings adorn many of the rooms. The exterior woodwork and roofing have been well maintained, and the spouting and downpipes have been replaced in specially designed copper. Attractive feature stone walls surround the stately home, as does an orchard, tennis court, vegetable garden with glasshouse, and beautifully manicured picturesque gardens. Two stone buildings at the rear of the home have been restored and repurposed as a billiards room and wine cellar. There is a large woolshed and covered yards - all set amongst a private, elevated site with lush paddocks and a pond. Single garage available with remote door, plus a separate three-bay car/vehicle garage which includes workshop, office area and a concrete forecourt. The grounds also contain a ‘Plume’ antique petrol pump with a 500-gallon tank, which is still in working order, plus a hay barn complex and two grain silos which are no longer in use. Irrigation is available to 3ha of land.

This is an outstanding opportunity to own a once-in-a-lifetime home, in an idyllic setting, close to an increasingly sought after tourism destination. Oamaru is renowned for its Victorian Precinct, outstanding Oamaru stone architecture, and its friendly southern charm. The property is located approximately 1 hour 45 minutes drive North of Dunedin Airport. Interest in purchasing this unique home is now invited. Price by Negotiation. Please contact Kelli Williams on 021 629 718 or email mailto:kelli.williams@oatps.nz for more information, or to arrange an appointment to view.