HISTORY

Thurlby Domain Est. 1872

Thurlby Domain offers a unique perspective on what little remains of early colonial life in the deep south. The intriguing heritage of the buildings, coupled with the striking setting make this a sought-after location for artists and lovers, both within New Zealand and globally.

Stone building viewed through autumn leaves

Located in a rural valley connecting Queenstown to Arrowtown, Thurlby Domain’s rich history began when Bendix Hallenstein, founder of what we now recognise as men’s fashion brand, Hallensteins, built the homestead in 1872. This rural residence was considered to be the finest in the Queenstown area, mixing architectural styles of both a villa and a castle. Even the remaining ruins today speak to what a remarkable residence this must have been, with battlements, verandahs, and large bay windows. Each of the 13 exits led to magnificent gardens, with many of the original trees still standing guard today.

Historic black and white photo of a large, two-story Victorian-style house with decorative trim and a group of people in period clothing gathered in front.
Vintage photograph of a white house surrounded by gardens and pathways, set in a rural landscape with a lake in the background. Snow-capped mountains are visible in the far distance.

Early photos of the Homestead

Early Speargrass Flat

The farm buildings, including two cottages (one wooden ploughman’s cottage, the other a stone smithy), stables and cow byre, included exemplary works of ‘old stonemasons’ art’, providing their own stories and adding their own character to the property. A corrugated iron woolshed was added to the precinctat the end of the 19 th Century.

Old stone cabin with metal roof in grassy landscape
Stone cabin with metal roof in rural landscape

The Smithy 1991

The Smithy 1999

Hallenstein moved to Dunedin in 1874 and the estate was purchased by his friend Herman Arndt, whose daughter, artist Mina Arndt, was born there. During Arndt’s ownership, he employed Richard Crowley (previously Head Gardener at Crystal Palace) to develop and expand the gardens – his command of shrub shaping was reportedly, legendary. The property also holds literary significance as a favoured retreat of Charles Brasch, Bendix Hallenstein’s great grandson. Brasch was a notable poet and philanthropist.

Vintage black and white photo of a two-story Victorian house with a large porch. A person is sitting on a horse in front of the house, and another person is standing with a bicycle. A child sits on the ground nearby.
Black and white photo of an old, abandoned building in ruins, with partial walls and overgrown vegetation.

The Homestead - late 1800s

Old stone building ruins surrounded by trees and grass

The Homestead - 1968

The Homestead - 1991

Though the homestead, outbuildings and gardens had fallen into disrepair by 1946, restorations by the present owners, Revell and Vicki Buckham have revived Thurlby Domain, preserving its historical charm, leading to a Heritage New Zealand Category 1 listing, and registration with the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Today, Thurlby Domain comprises a romantic ruin with rustic stone buildings and park-like grounds, including notable trees, making it a captivating setting for film, photography, weddings and events.

Scenic view of an old stone building ruin surrounded by bare trees in a forested area with a dirt pathway leading to it. 
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