Media Release

Inside Out –
Akaroa House & Garden Tour 2014
a look into Akaroa’s finest backyards, front yards and homes.

Most of us will admit to having driven past a beautiful old villa or an exclusive B & B thinking ‘I would love to sneak in and have a look at that property’. Well now you can – legitimately!

The biannual ‘Inside Out’ Akaroa House and Garden Tour is being held in November with 15 local properties on show – some old favourites and some stunning new properties welcoming visitors for the very first time. It’s the perfect excuse to spend the weekend in Akaroa, enjoying the food, wine and hospitality – and getting a rare glimpse into other people’s backyards, front yards and homes.

“This year’s House and Garden Tour will be a feast for the senses” says Akaroa District Promotions Executive Officer, Hollie Hollander. “Akaroa and the surrounding bays provide the perfect backdrop for gardens bursting with lavender, roses, native and exotic trees, fruit and nut orchards, vineyards and birdsong. It’s a privilege to be offered a glimpse into these environments and testament to the hard work and dedication of the property owners.”

Among the highlights of this year’s tour is Kearney-Rhodes House in Rue Balguerie. Stephen and Theresa Cashmore purchased the almost-150 year old property four years ago and have painstakingly restored it – conserving and restoring its historic grandeur, whilst adding some modern architectural touches. This is the first time Kearney-Rhodes House has been open to the public and it’s a must-see for those interested in the region’s social history.

Close by, John & Leslie Harding are the proud new owners of one of New Zealand’s rarest examples of colonial grandeur. Blythcliffe is listed as a Grade One heritage building and visitors will enjoy a sense of elegance as they wander around its expansive gardens. Bordered by the Balguerie Stream, the property includes a croquet lawn, beds of old heritage roses, native and ornamental trees and a private conserved native forest walk.

For those with a thirst for fine wine, then don’t miss the chance to visit Heidi and Tim Herbert’s Valley Road Vineyard. The landscaped grounds lead into the vineyard which spreads down the hill towards the harbour. A highlight of this property is the straw-bale home and a hidden waterfall nestled behind the vines.

“The House and Garden Tour is a highlight on our events calendar and a great opportunity for locals and visitors to experience our rich natural and built heritage. It’s just such an amazing way to experience the town and surrounds – offering a taste of our fabulous produce and wines, a close up view of some of the most beautiful gardens and homes in the region and the chance to meet and talk with the people who care for and create such amazing environments.”

The Inside Out House and Garden Tour will be held on 29 and 30 November.

Ends

Info for journalists:

• There are 15 homes and gardens on the 2014 House and Garden Tour. They include beautifully restored villas, exclusive B&B’s, rural landscaped gardens, Akaroa’s famous mosaic and sculpture garden, wine tasting from local vineyards and much more.

• Josie Martin will open ‘The Giants House’ as part of the tour on Sunday from 2-4pm.

• There are a number of new properties included on the tour -some of which have not been open to the public before.
• The Inside Out House and Garden Tour is a community fundraiser. Tickets are available now at the Akaroa Adventure Centre, Akaroa Museum, Ballantynes in Christchurch & Timaru, The Little River Gallery, Eventfinda and www.akaroa.com

• Images from previous House and Garden Tours are available from Akaroa District Promotions.

• The Akaroa & the Bays House & Garden tour is held every 2 years.

© Scoop Media