Why a Booktrail?
Late 1800s: The story of the man who built the famous ‘castle’ on Otago Peninsula.
The Larnachs
What you need to know before your trail
William James Larnach was a well-known New Zealand politician who is known for having been married twice and then after the death of both wives, he married the much younger Constance de Bathe Brandon.
But this marriage was not going to end well either. He soon realises that there is a growing relationship between Conny and William’s younger son, Dougie.
Larnach is the man who built the famous ‘castle’ on Otago Peninsula. And it’s against this backdrop that the story takes place.
Travel Guide
Larnarch Castle
New Zealand’s only ‘castle’, this Scottish baronial-style grand estate is open for tours.It’s also a hotel and has some stunning view of the nearby lake.
It was built in 1871 for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build it and a further 12 years creating and dressing the interior. No expense was spared.
The Barker family purchased it as their home in 1967 and it is now privately owned. It certainly has a famous role in the history of the country and imagine being the only castle in the country!
Wellington – Molesworth Street
The home of the married couple is in Molesworth Street. The few months are happy and busy we are told. William is drinking less and the marriage seems to be going well.
Streetview Maps
A) Dunedin - Lanarch Castle view
C) Wellington - Molesworth Street
Booktrail Boarding Pass Information: The Larnachs
Author/ Guide: Owen Marshall Destination: Dunedin, Wellington Departure Time: Late 1800s
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