A builder’s spur-of-the-moment pub deal has resulted in a unique property listing in New Zealand’s Canterbury region. Toby Baxter purchased a 5-hectare estate, complete with a man-made wine cave, two cottages, and a resident pair of peregrine falcons, after a chance conversation with the owner of the Hurunui Hotel in February 2023.
Baxter, a builder by trade, initially intended to purchase land on the Banks Peninsula. Though, a casual beer at the Hurunui Hotel led to an unexpected agreement with hotel owner Adam Martin to acquire the property at 1208 Karaka Road, overlooking the Hurunui River. “I’d been up there, to Mount Lyford, for the weekend. I thought I’d stop for a beer at the pub,” Baxter told OneRoof. “He struck up a conversation with the publican, who told him about some land and cottages he wanted to sell.”
The property’s centerpiece is a 130-square-meter wine cave, accessible via a 16-meter tunnel dug into the hillside. Originally intended to be a wine tasting room by previous owners, the cave was unfinished and featured “awful stalactites,” according to Baxter. He saw its potential as a venue for weddings, functions, and even a “heli-hunting lodge.” Baxter refurbished the cave to host events.
In addition to the cave, the estate includes two replica 1880s cottages, built in the mid-2000s, and a glamping tent. Baxter employed Christchurch-based architectural designer Peter Dunbar to design new structures and interiors, creating an amenities complex above the wine cave to support events and potential wellness retreats. The property also benefits from a water reservoir, a bore for spring water, and an irrigation system.
The estate also boasts a unique natural feature: two pairs of peregrine falcons, described by Baxter as “dogfighting” with magpies. He noted the property’s elevated position provides stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Hurunui River.
Having transformed the property into a functioning wedding and events venue, Baxter is now selling the estate, stating he wants to avoid the challenges of managing events and dealing with demanding clients. “I’ve set it up for someone who is great on the socials and that marketing side of things, and can deal with bridezillas, to arrive along and hit it out of the park. It’s a turnkey operation,” he said.
Baxter also expressed a desire to focus on surfing and other business interests in Australia. Harcourts agent Michelle Singh, who is marketing the property, described the wine cave as “wow,” adding that the property is ready for immediate operation, complete with fully furnished cottages.
The property is being marketed for sale with a deadline closing on March 26.
