Martinborough House and Garden Tour 2019

Some of Martinborough’s most outstanding homes and gardens will be opening their doors on Saturday 23 November 2019 to raise funds for Wharekaka, Martinborough’s aged care community.

Historic homesteads, modern architectural masterpieces, inspiring artwork, and fabulous gardens – these are all on offer on the Martinborough House and Garden Tour.  Showcasing 11 properties, some not open to the public before, this self-drive, one-day tour gives ticket-holders the chance to visit some of the village’s most admired homes and gardens.  

There’s something for everyone on the tour – from a homestead loved by generations to houses at the cutting edge of modern design. One property has its own stylish cinema and a wine-tasting cellar; another has been future-proofed with an internal lift. All the houses are very different, but each connects beautifully with the landscape, many offering unexpected views of the surrounding countryside. Ticket-holders will walk away with plenty of ideas and inspiration.

Behind the garden gate, you’ll find just as much variety. There are structural modern gardens, cottage gardens filled with bright perennials, lush gardens of scented roses, and flourishing veggie gardens and potagers. One of the most astonishing features of at least three gardens is the outdoor artwork. Sculptures by Brett Harman, Sean Crawford and Paul Dibble add to the beauty of the landscape.

The tour is also a showcase for local craftspeople and producers – there will be a stall featuring local crafts and products at each house.

All houses are either in or around Martinborough; the furthest house from the village centre is just 15-minutes drive away, allowing ticket-holders time for lunch and a wine or coffee at one of the village’s many cafes or vineyards.  

Organised by the Wharekaka Auxiliary, it is not the first time a house and garden tour has been held to raise funds for Wharekaka. The first of these very popular fundraisers dates back to the 1980s when Wharekaka trailblazed the idea in the Wairarapa.  The tour is still a fun day out, but at its centre is a worthy cause. Like many other small rural aged care facilities, Wharekaka is facing spiralling running costs. Close to the heart of the village in more ways than one, Wharekaka is an integral part of the Martinborough community. Locals generous response to fundraising reflects a deep commitment to keeping it that way.

“We are very grateful to our main sponsors, Susan Stephen & Co Realty, Mitre 10, The Martinborough Bookshop, and Peonies of Martinborough for their generous contributions. We are also thrilled that so many local cafes and vineyards are supporting the tour. And of course,  we are particularly thankful that so many have made their houses and gardens open to the public for the tour,” says Helen Meehan, Chair Marketing & Fundraising Committee, Wharekaka Board of Trustees.

MORE INFO

Earlybird tickets are $65 each, buying you a ticket to the self-drive tour which will feature 11 properties in and around Martinborough. General admission tickets will be available at $75 each once Earlybirds have sold out.

For more information and to book, see Eventfinda. Also look for the Martinborough House and Garden Tour Facebook page for updates and previews.