8 | Next level BnB stay Marco Creemers and Ryan Sanders have taken on the restoration job of Earnscleugh Castle. T T from page 6 Earnscleugh Castle Ltd REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The couple have already completed an eight-month long renovation and luxury fit-out of the Earnscleugh Castle Coach House, which opened last November as Air BnB accommodation. Works required included re-piling, fixing a collapsing side wall, earthquake strengthening and installing all new plumbing and wiring. With Clyde just a five-minute drive away and with free transfers offered to bike hire stores in Clyde if required, the coach house has been serving as a convenient and stylish base for adventures in Central Otago over the summer season, (and is available for bookings through to the end April). Big changes are now underway in the main castle building, with the number of bedrooms inside being reduced from 10 to seven to make room for new ensuites. The former servants quarters – downstairs in the west wing – are being transformed into a new kitchen and open plan living area that will open onto the home’s swimming pool. As well, a grand lobby with sweeping staircase, is being created. An upstairs bathroom that formerly hung down into that space is being removed to open up the volume. Once completed, it will make a real statement. “We have sourced a huge antique chandelier from England, weighing 250kg, that will hang from a beam in that void above the stairs.” The castle’s new fully insulated ‘warm’ roof was completed in February and underfloor insulation also went in over a two-week period. Marco says these changes are already transforming the feel of the building, making it much drier and warmer inside. Assisting Marco and Ryan are a host of local contractors including builder PD Builders, Wedgerwood Joinery and local electricians and plumbers. “We’ve found that local people are keen to come and work on it. As projects go, it’s a little different and Earnscleugh Castle is a real Central Otago landmark.” The couple have been contacted by all three families that have lived at the castle through the years and they have kindly given access to their records and photos of the house and of the original owner, designer, and garden designer (Alfred Buxton). Earnscleugh Castle has been privately held for its whole life but once completed, guests will have an opportunity to experience this incredible heritage landmark for themselves. With the project on track for completion by October 2025, Earnscleugh Castle is poised to open as next level bed and breakfast accommodation for the 2025/26 summer season. 09 309 8816 | info@designsource.co.nz | 1 Cleveland Road, Parnell Proudly supporting Earnscleugh Castle Ltd
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