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, superior WIFI, cafe quality coffee 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, meditation and ample photo opportunities. With room rates starting at just $125 a night, why not book The Fern & Thistle for your next Balclutha getaway