The homestead history dates back to 1918 when the original cottage was built in Rapaura. In 2003 the cottage was relocated in two pieces to Rowley Crescent where it was rebuilt and extended to create the classic homestead it is today. In 2018 Claire embarked on a refurbishment to breathe new life into the dwelling. With design skills and fresh eyes, the renovation was completed in sympathy with the heritage architecture + a contemporary twist to create a stylish country home and luxury guest accommodation.
Rowley Estate Homestead is a home away from home, casual luxury, hosted accommodation. A place to escape the noise of the world and exhale.
From Claire
I’ve been a city girl all of my life; born in the UK, raised in Australia and lived for several decades in Auckland, where I raised two children and worked creatively as a colour consultant and interior designer.
In 2012 I had a yearning to visit the South of France. After a couple of long stays in Provence and the Côte d’ Azur I realised I longed for a new way of life; a country life, where food, wine, gardens, hospitality melded with sunshine and interesting people.
Once my children flew the nest Waiheke island beckoned. The island of wine (similar to Marthas Vineyard) is where I began the search for the ideal property to create my South of France lifestyle. I lived at the bottom end of the island where the landscape is remote and bush-like with 100’s of hectares of vineyards and few neighbours. I worked the vineyards at harvest and a boutique cellar door to get the feel for this new island life.
After 12 months on the island, out of the blue whilst browsing property the house indeed found me – in the South Island. I flew to Blenheim within a couple of days to view. It was love at first sight.
The homestead property was ideal for what I’d envisioned – an historic abode with good bones and in need of restoration to create a beautiful home and luxury guest accommodation. The 1.6ha ‘garden’ was overgrown and needed a ton of work but i wasn’t phased. I arrived in May 2017 to embark on a life changing journey; a house in the country, new life in Marlborough.
Marlborough is international wine country where wine tourism thrives. The region a food basket of top quality producers and artisan makers, gardens and horticulture are revered and the Marlborough Sounds and outdoor tourism on our doorstep. It doesn’t get much better!
I look forward to welcoming you to my country house here in the beautiful region of Marlborough.