Feature article

The grand homestead hauled up a river — and brought back to life

A historic Ashburton homestead with a remarkable past and beautifully restored character.

Kylie Klein Nixon
Last updated: 6 April 2026 | 3 min read
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The historic Penscroft homestead in Ashburton has a unique past, having been moved up the Hakatere River in 1919. The current owners undertook an extensive four-year renovation, transforming it into a beautiful and functional family home.

Now fully restored, the five-bedroom property sits on five hectares with established gardens and paddocks. It offers a turnkey lifestyle opportunity for a new family to enjoy its peaceful setting, just an hour from Christchurch, and its excellent entertaining capabilities.

Penscroft, in Elgin, looks like it has always been here, but it was moved in 1919. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

The home is peaceful and charming. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

The home is packed with period charm and native timber woodwork. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

The home has been completely remodeled and renovated by the current owners. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

The current owners filled the home with the treasures they collected on their travels. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

The home has five bedrooms. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

One of the owners was a great gardener. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

The home sits on five hectares of gardens and paddocks including a pond, and stands of exotic trees. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

There is also a snug, a billiards room, two reception rooms and a dining room. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

A lot of deals would have been done around this billiards table. Photo: TRADE ME/NZSIR

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Kylie Klein Nixon Kylie Klein Nixon
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