On lake.Within 9 miles (15 km) of this vacation home, you'll find Southern Institute of Technology and Shaws Island. Kaka Point Scenic Reserve and Kaka Point Beach are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Kaka Point Scenic Reserve - 36 min drive - 18.6 miles
Catlins Lake - 39 min drive - 28.0 miles
Cannibal Bay Beach - 47 min drive - 28.4 miles
Nugget Point Lighthouse - 58 min drive - 24.6 miles
Getting around
Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.) - 46 min drive
Restaurants
Heart and Soul Cafe - 6 min drive
Subway - 7 min drive
The Gate - 6 min drive
Captains Cafe & Bar - 6 min drive
Rosebank Café & Grill - 8 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue
Lesmahagow is the magnificent villa built by Peter McSkimming in 1914 and lovingly restored to its former glory. Sitting on 6,000m2 of private landscaped gardens, the property provides the perfect setting to escape from the world. Not only can you experience a piece of NZ history but the home boasts many modern conveniences such as central heating, a commercial kitchen, superior WIFI, coffee machine, sauna and a fresh water hot pool to relax in after exploring the Clutha area.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 3,552 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets are welcome
Maximum 2 pets
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 99
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99.
Property is also known as
Vrbo Property
The Jewel of the South Benhar
The Jewel of the South Private vacation home
The Jewel of the South Private vacation home Benhar
Frequently asked questions
How close is The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue to the airport?
This vacation home is 34.5 mi (46-min drive) away from the Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue to the beach?
This vacation home is 16.1 mi (29-min drive) from Kaka Point Beach.
Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue have a pool?
Yes, there's a heated pool.
Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue to downtown Benhar?
This vacation home is 0.3 mi away from Benhar.
The Fern & Thistle Luxury B&B and Event Venue Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.0/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Barbara S.
Aug 11, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for a group
We are a group of 12 friends who go away together, for a weekend twice a year. The Jewel of the South turned out to be perfect for us all. We had a wonderful time. Matt was very easy to deal with.
Barbara S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Angela C.
Jan 10, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Family time
Had a wonderful time staying at this super house. The amenities were top notch with everything you could ask for and more, catering for all ages. The owner welcomed us and gave us a tour of the house and gardens, it was quite special, and we were blessed by having beautiful weather. Thank you Matt for letting us stay in your home
Angela C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lynda S.
Jan 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely
Great house, friendly and helpful owner. Excellent place to stay.
Lynda S.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Hamish B.
Sep 29, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent find
Absolutely fantastic house & set up. Well located. Everything was brilliant, communication with the host fantastic and we highly recommend.