Monday, July 21, 2008

July 21, 2008

Historic New Zealand hotel re-opened last year after extensive renovations

Christchurch, New Zealand (July 2008) - In its July hotel review, Architectural Digest calls the newly renovated Otahuna Lodge "a carefully tended piece of New Zealand's heritage." The magazine further states, "the visitor today finds Otahuna's soul radiant once again."

The feature chronicles the Lodge's extensive interior renovation headed by Auckland-based interior designer Stephen Cashmore who specializes in historic restoration. While Otahuna's magnificence was apparent on the exterior, the interior of the home had "lost its soul and magic over the years", explained Cashmore.

The seven-suite retreat, built in 1895, was the home of leading New Zealand parliamentarian Sir Heaton Rhodes who lived there for more than 60 years. Rhodes was the son of one of the country's earliest settlers, and the Lodge reflects the region's storied history. Located at Tai Tapu on the South Island, 20 minutes outside Christchurch, Otahuna Lodge sits atop a small hill within a 30-acre garden.

Following Sir Heaton's death, the Lodge had a series of owners, and in 2003 it took on the life of a Lodge. However, it wasn't until August 2006 when Americans Hall Cannon and Miles Refo purchased the retreat that it was properly brought back to life. Following an extensive four-month renovation, Otahuna Lodge celebrated its re-opening last year.

Otahuna Lodge is the largest private residence in the country and is widely regarded as the best example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia. As they described in AD, Cannon and Refo were intent on honoring the property's long history and ensuring its proper place among the finest retreats in Australasia.

The direction given to Cashmore, by Cannon and Refo, was to awaken the house; use local material, craftsmen and manufacturers wherever possible; and make sure that the work honors Otahuna's original intentions. "We asked Stephen,"says Cannon, "to express the absolute best of what was possible in our new home - and homeland."

According to Cashmore, the aim was to create an improved sense of the past that would allow the house to function as a hotel. "We arrived at a comfortable country style," he says, "that nevertheless gives guests an understanding of the history of Otahuna."

When the renovation began, Cashmore joked, "every room was painted in a variation of what we came to call Otahuna cream." In the new design, he incorporated rich colors and replica furniture to honor the property's origins. Cashmore designed many of these armoires, tables and chairs to express a refined country house aesthetic.

These new pieces blended beautifully with the original hand-carved Kauri staircase, Rimu paneling, original leadlights and fifteen working wood-burning fireplaces (including two in suite bathrooms) which contribute to Otahuna's Category 1 listing with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, given only to a handful of buildings nationwide.

Additionally, Otahuna Lodge has amassed one of the most extensive private art collections in New Zealand. Thirty-five major works by established and emerging Kiwi artists were specially commissioned for the collection and are featured throughout the Lodge.

Today, Otahuna is a lovingly restored gem with a true sense of New Zealand's spirit. As Cannon explains to AD, "Many of our guests come expressly for Otahuna, houses can be like that. When they capture your imagination, you're done for - as we know better than anyone else."

About Otahuna
Otahuna Lodge is one of New Zealand's premier destination retreats. Re-opened on May 1, 2007 following a significant, four-month renovation undertaken by new owners, American-born Hall Cannon and Miles Refo, Otahuna Lodge is located on the South Island. Just 20 minutes from Christchurch, Otahuna features seven guest suites, a 30-acre garden, heated pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court and fitness facility with a spa treatment room. The Lodge, built in 1895, was home to leading New Zealand parliamentarian, Sir Heaton Rhodes for more than 60 years. Otahuna is regarded as the finest example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia and is a Category 1 listed building. Otahuna Lodge is a Preferred Property of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program.

To make reservations online, visit www.otahuna.co.nz/enquiries/reservations

Media Contact
Rebecca Werner
Werner Public Relations, Inc.
Tel: (212) 355-5131 or (312) 440-3075
E-mail: rebecca@wernerpr.com