The Fern & Thistle is now open for business!

Previously known as Lesmahagow Bed & Breakfast, this heritage house has been closed to the public for the last ten years as the previous owners enjoyed their retirement. A change of ownership in 2020 has breathed new life into the place and the property has reopened as a luxury bed and breakfast and wedding venue. […]

Read More   

ABOUT THE FERN & THISTLE

The Fern & Thistle is Balclutha’s only luxury accommodation and features Lesmahagow, the magnificent villa built by sanitary ware ‘king pin’ Peter McSkimming in 1914.

Named after his wife’s home town in Scotland, Lesmahagow sits on 6,000m2 of private landscaped gardens and surveys the local surrounds of Benhar, which the McSkimming’s built as NZ’s first feudal town in the late 1800’s to service their extensive factory operations.

Lovingly restored and reopened to the public in 2020, the property is now equipped with many modern conveniences such as central heating, a commercial kitchen, WIFI, a quality coffee machine, sauna and a fresh water hot pool to relax in after a day exploring the Clutha area.

For those looking to escape from the world or host a special event, the grounds provide a perfect back drop for events such as parties, weddings, family gatherings and ample photo opportunities. With room rates starting at just $135 a night, why not book The Fern & Thistle for your next Balclutha getaway.

Our Facilities

Complimentary drinks

Complimentary Drinks

Enjoy complimentary drinks from our communal drinks fridge, including beer, cider and a range of softdrinks

Continental Breakfast

Continental Breakfast

Your room tariff includes access to a continental breakfast including homemade bread and jams, cereal, yoghurt and fruit

WIFI

Free WIFI

The property is equipped with Starlink internet- providing up to 256mb/s download speed uncapped

Coffee machine

Coffee Machine

The property is equipped with a DeLonghi automatic coffee grinder as well as a large assortment of teas and instant coffee options

Sauna

Sauna

Relax in our new barrel sauna made from aromatic Canadian cedar wood that seats up to 6 people

Hot tub

Hot tub

Enjoy a long soak in our gas fired hot tub under the fairy lights and stars

Luxury Suites

The McSkimmings Suite

The historical master suite, this room provides optimal comfort and escape

View Details

The O’Malley Suite

A superior room situated overlooking the gardens, the O'Malley suite oozes charm

View Details

The Iwikatea Room

Our standard option, but still offers superior comfort for the budget conscious

View Details

Available for Events

Our beautiful grounds provide the perfect back drop for your next event. Whether you need a private space, a lot of space or just someone to take care of the food and drinks, our staff will make your next event a memorable one without breaking the budget

Wedding Venue

If you live in the South Otago chances are you've already been to a wedding at Lesmahagow....

Events & Functions

If you need somewhere with a little space and glamour then think of the Fern & Thistle...

Bed & Breakfast

When you stay at The Fern & Thistle you can choose to partake in a spectacular home...

Corporate Events

If you need somewhere with a little space and glamour then think of the Fern & Thistle...

Subscribe to our Special Promotions

Loading
Hotel Booking

Luxury Accommodation and Wedding Venue

Latest Post

CONTACT US

  • 146 BENHAR RD, BENHAR, OTAGO, NEW ZEALAND
  • FERNANDTHISTLENZ@GMAIL.COM
  • 022 1996 955
©2024 FERN & THISTLE. All Right Reserved Design and Developed by A3Logix Technologies