See all properties
Entire home

The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue

Photo gallery for The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue

Exterior
Outdoor spa tub
Bathroom
Bathroom
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 163552.1 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
Balclutha, Otago
  • Place, Southern Institute of Technology
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Kaka Point Beach
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Catlins Lake
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Airport, Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Brooking

2 Twin Beds

Iwikatea

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

McSkimmings

1 King Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Crib

O'Malley

1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Sleepout

1 Queen Bed

Tohiariki

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Downstairs Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Ensuite

Toilet · Shower only

Original Bathroom

Bathtub or shower

Upstairs Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue

Lesmahagow is the magnificent villa built by Peter McSkimming in 1914 and lovingly restored to its former glory. Sitting on 6,000m2 of private landscaped gardens, the property provides the perfect setting to escape from the world. Not only can you experience a piece of NZ history but the home boasts many modern conveniences such as central heating, a commercial kitchen, superior WIFI, coffee machine, sauna and a fresh water hot pool to relax in after exploring the Clutha area.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Outdoor dining
Bruce Farm Alpaca Cabin 4 by Tiny Away
Hillend
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
Bruce Farm Alpaca Cabin 4 by Tiny Away

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
default

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
default

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 99
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the neighborhood

Benhar

Located in Benhar, this vacation home is in a rural area and on a lake. While the natural beauty of Kaka Point Scenic Reserve and Shaws Island can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out Sandihurst Winery. Discover the area's water adventures with snorkeling and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and ecotours.
View more Vacation Homes in BenharOpens in a new window
Map
Balclutha, Otago

What's nearby

  • Southern Institute of Technology - 12 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Kaka Point Scenic Reserve - 29 min drive - 32.1 km
  • Kaka Point Beach - 29 min drive - 32.4 km
  • Catlins Lake - 33 min drive - 45.0 km
  • Nugget Point Lighthouse - 54 min drive - 42.4 km

Getting around

  • Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cafe 55 - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Highway Diner - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Heart and Soul Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Captains Cafe & Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪MEDian Cafe - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue?

As of Apr 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue on Apr 21, 2026 start from $485, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly vacation home is 7 mi (11.2 km) from Southern Institute of Technology and 8.9 mi (14.3 km) from Shaws Island. Kaka Point Beach and Kaka Point Scenic Reserve are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

Great house, friendly and helpful owner. Excellent place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family time

Had a wonderful time staying at this super house. The amenities were top notch with everything you could ask for and more, catering for all ages. The owner welcomed us and gave us a tour of the house and gardens, it was quite special, and we were blessed by having beautiful weather. Thank you Matt for letting us stay in your home
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for a group

We are a group of 12 friends who go away together, for a weekend twice a year. The Jewel of the South turned out to be perfect for us all. We had a wonderful time. Matt was very easy to deal with.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hamish B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent find

Absolutely fantastic house & set up. Well located. Everything was brilliant, communication with the host fantastic and we highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Matt Brooking

Host profile image

Languages:

English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Vacation Ideas