WELCOME!
Your hosts Darryn & Sandy hail from Rockingham on WA’s beautiful west coast. Having frequented the Fern & Thistle on several trips back to NZ, they approached the owners (Matt & Brooke) about managing the Bed & Breakfast for a year or two whilst they explore semi retirement and take a well deserved break from their stressful jobs in Perth.
Having left the Otago region as a teenager to play rugby in Oz, Darryn is looking forward to spending more time with family as he reconnects with his southern roots whilst Sandy is relishing the opportunity to experience a cooler climate and try her hand at pruning roses.
Being naturally social people, the couple relish the opportunity to share this special part of the country with guests whom may be passing through or experiencing it for the first time.
The properties owners- Matt and Brooke originally hail from the North Island of NZ after spending the better part of 6 years in Perth, Australia. Wanting to raise their two young children back in NZ they relocated to Mosgiel in 2019 before falling in love with Lesmagahow on a chance encounter.
Deciding to pursue his dream of running a luxury B&B, Matt quit his day job to run the property full time whilst Brooke studied to become a doctor. Unfortunately COVID had other plans and the grand opening was delayed by several months as the country when through several lock downs.
Finally in May 2020 the couple re-opened the property to give their guests a truly memorable experience. With a customer service background and experience in planning weddings and events, Matt and Brooke worked hard to put Benhar on the map as an event and accommodation destination.
In 2025 Brooke took the opportunity to work as a House Officer at Whakatane Hospital, and the family passed the care of running the business to Darryn & Sandy, with a bit of help from Chelsea the assistant manager.
About The Fern & Thistle
Lesmahagow is the magnificent villa built by Peter McSkimming in 1914 and now lovingly restored to its former glory. 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 for their factory workers.
After Mrs McSkimming passed in 1955, the property fell into disrepair before the O’Malleys purchased the property in 1979. Over the next four decades the O’Malleys raised 6 children at the property and made extensive renovations to bring the property up to modern standards.
This work included replanting the gardens with native species and supporting the substantial brick pergolas which became renown as a perfect backdrop for any garden party.
Your current hosts purchased Lesmahagow from the O’Malleys in 2020 just prior to the Covid lockdown and reopened it to the public as a luxury BnB and wedding venue when lockdown finished.
Our facilities
The property is now equipped with many modern conveniences such as central heating, a commercial kitchen, superior WIFI, cafe quality coffee and a fresh water hot pool to relax in after a big day exploring the Clutha area.
For those looking to escape from the world or host a special event, the beautiful grounds provide a perfect back drop for such events as parties, weddings, meditation or photo opportunities. With rates starting at just $135 a night, The Fern & Thistle is the must stop destination if you’re staying in Balclutha.
