Experience true tranquillity in our private Guest Suite at Castle Dent. As our only guests, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the suite, peaceful gardens, and woodland teeming with songbirds. Our remote location ensures dark skies and complete privacy, with the nearest neighbour over a kilometre away. Your private suite features a double bedroom, full bathroom, and lounge, with separate access while still being part of our year-round residence. We're always nearby if you need us. Perfect base for exploring: Lawrence's Gold Mining History (7mins) Roxburgh and Alexandra's orchards (30-60 mins) The Catlins' waterfalls and beaches via Owaka (1h15) Dunedin city (1h) and airport (40 mins) Queenstown (2h30) Wanaka (2h10) Invercargill (1h45) For cyclists, we are right on the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail, we offer: Secure, covered bike storage E-bike charging facilities Direct access to the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail Arrange bag &/or bike transfer and collection (additional charges apply) Mountain bike trails in Lawrence.

Kia ora! We're Iain & Nats, your hosts at Castle Dent. Originally from the UK, we moved to NZ in 2021 after spending 5 years in France. The moment we turned up the driveway, we knew this place was special – and we think you'll feel the same way! Our land has a fascinating history. Before the MacDonalds arrived in the late 1950s, we believe it was part of the Bellamy Estate and Crown Land, which was often granted to returning veterans. The MacDonalds worked here for two generations, transforming thousands of acres into grazing land. At its peak, the farm stretched across 14,000 acres into the Lammermoors. They retired to nearby Lawrence in 2014. In 2023, we purchased the homestead and about 30 acres, including the farm buildings. While most of the original farmland is now forestry, we maintain a working farm and fine woodworking workshop, also grazing some adjoining forestry land. Our vision is simple: create beautiful things with known provenance while sharing Castle Dent's unique charm with our guests. From your hilltop suite, you'll enjoy peaceful country views and meet our friendly farm family. Our dogs, Skye & Rum, make their daily rounds, alongside our characterful chickens (who might take an interest in your shoes!). Zeus, our handsome horse, keeps a watchful eye over everything - he's friendly, but please approach him from where he can see you. You might also spot sheep and cattle grazing in nearby paddocks. Feel free to explore the farm and see rural life in action, but please watch out for typical farm hazards. Due to our resident animals, we can't accommodate guest pets.

We don't really have a neighbourhood! Our nearest neighbour is over a kilometre away; at night, the stars are bright and the night dark and quiet. There is no light pollution here! In Lawrence (less than 10mins): Bean Jazzed Coffee on Peel St. (our go-to for brunch) The Prospector on Ross Place Spatula & Spoon on Ross Place (Iain's favourite raspberry slices!) Coach and Horses Pub (Lunch & Evening meals) Wetherston Creek at the Camp Ground (Food & Beer!) The Slippery Chip food truck (seasonal, near Police Station) Night and Day (open 6am-11pm) for hot food and essentials Four Square supermarket Wider area: Beaumont Pub & Hotel (11km away) - our usual spot (Food and drinks all day) The Annapurna Indian takeaway in Milton (30 min drive) Various pubs within an hour's radius It is worth checking opening times as some are only open on certain days/hrs. Lawrence is a historical township - the music for the National Anthem was written here, and the first Bank of New Zealand. The museum is well worth a visit. There is also a walking tour (self-guided) around some of the older properties.