Yaldhurst Castle’s Owner Plans Next Chapter After Sale

The owner of the iconic Yaldhurst Castle in New Zealand, McKenzie, has decided to sell the property and embark on a new chapter in his life. In a surprising turn of events, he purchased the castle without initially informing his wife, Lesley. This unexpected decision led to a rocky start, but the family has since created cherished memories in the unique home.

McKenzie, who has a background in construction, first encountered the castle during its construction. “It was designed by Tom Taylor, a sculptor and professor of architecture at Canterbury University. I think it was his dream to design something like this,” he told OneRoof. After buying the half-finished property, it took him weeks to muster the courage to share the news with Lesley. “We had a beautiful home on Fendalton Road, and she wasn’t very happy with me,” he recalled.

Despite the initial reaction, the couple transformed Yaldhurst Castle into a vibrant family home, adding extensions and completing the interior. Now, with the property officially on the market, the deadline sale closed on Tuesday, marking a significant change for the McKenzie family. The castle has gained popularity among sports groups, horse riders, and various visitors, boasting a total of 12 bedrooms between the main house and its barn.

Over the years, Yaldhurst Castle has hosted a variety of guests, including FBI agents and the crew of the show Ghost Hunters International. The property even appeared in a Bollywood film, adding to its eclectic history. McKenzie’s daughter, Brigette, noted that her mother organized numerous fundraising events at the castle, as well as political gatherings, and provided accommodation for families affected by the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes.

“It has been the most wonderful, happy family home that anyone could ever have,” McKenzie expressed, looking back on their time at the castle. He reminisced about hosting events that often exceeded expectations. “We’d have a party planned for 50 and there’d be 500 coming through. It was pretty full on. They even had to call the police once,” he added with a hint of nostalgia.

Tragically, McKenzie faced significant personal loss in the past year, as he lost his wife and later his youngest daughter to cancer. With these events weighing heavily on his heart, he has made the decision to sell the castle and take an extended break on the Gold Coast of Australia. “I want to think about what my next chapter in New Zealand will be,” he stated, looking ahead to the future.

As the sale of Yaldhurst Castle concludes, McKenzie prepares to embrace new opportunities and reflect on a lifetime of memories created in a home that has been both a sanctuary and a gathering place for many.