The Last Resort

The Ups and Downs of Buying a Stately Manor

Follow the wild, inspiring, and sometimes chaotic journey of Katrina McLarin and her wife Brenda Laverick as they trade in the ordinary for the extraordinary—purchasing and restoring Casa Nova House, a breathtaking 1861 Oamaru Stone mansion nestled in New Zealand’s stunning South Island.

From entrepreneurial dreams to real-life drama, this podcast dives into the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of taking on a historic property with no manual and no safety net. It’s a story of bold decisions, personal reinvention, and the power of saying yes to the unknown.

Whether you're into historic homes, renovation adventures, or stories of love and transformation, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

Contributors

Host

Katrina H McLarin

Katrina McLarin’s diverse career spans multiple industries, starting with radio in New Zealand and expanding into resort construction and development across Australia. Her international event management experience includes organizing high-profile events in Sydney, Vancouver, and Bangkok while working for The Leading Woman Entrepreneurs of the World organization.

Returning to Australia, Katrina contributed to the development of a new resort in Broome, WA, before moving back to New Zealand. There, she met her wife Brenda, and together, they have operated various hospitality venues, blending their expertise in business and the hospitality industry.