Larnach Castle, Gothic Revival mansion on Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Larnach Castle is a Gothic Revival mansion on Otago Peninsula with 43 rooms and elaborate details throughout. The rooms showcase imported materials including Venetian glass, Italian marble, and local basalt stone sourced from a nearby quarry.
A wealthy businessman commissioned a prominent architect to build this residence in 1873, employing around 200 workers on the project. The main structure took years to complete and reflects the prosperity and ambition of its builder.
The ballroom was built as a gift for the owner's daughter and designed to impress. Visitors today can still see how important family celebrations and social gatherings were to those who lived here.
The mansion is located about 10 km from downtown and welcomes visitors every day of the year. You can choose between guided tours and self-guided walks to explore the rooms at your own pace.
The building required about 46 servants to run its daily operations, and was connected to a large estate. Such a large household staff reveals how complex and formal life was for wealthy families at that time.
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