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The ruins of Lauder House in the Maniototo area, New Zealand.
Built in 1875 by the original owner of the property, and later purchased by a former goldminer from St Bathans, a Mr Claus Gerkins. He grew grapes and made wine and according to an article in the Mt Ida Chronicle in 1896, he was said to have the best "'vinery" in New Zealand. Each Good Friday he invited his friends to sample the grapes. April 3rd 1896, Good Friday, they arrived to find there had been a fire, the house in ruins, and Mr Gerkin's body was found in the still smoudering house. It was thought he went back in to rescue his valuables.
Lauderdale Estate is now a 60 acre working farm and provides luxury homestays in several original buildings dating from the 1860's. An historic chapel from a nearby town has been relocated there, making it a popular wedding location
. And that is how I came to be there recently - as a wedding guest. The ruins were a wonderful backdrop for the wedding photographs.
I captured this part of the old house with my p & s Kodak V550 in one hand and a glass of wine in the other :) I hope you enjoy this little bit of NZ history
Click HERE for On The Inside Looking Out
TicK
Good angle on this..love the 'mystery' of anticipation when entering these places!