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.
The Last Resort
Ep 1 - I'd Move for the Pies
What starts as a simple bicycling holiday turns into a life-changing adventure. Join host Katrina McLarin and her wife Brenda Laverick as a few unexpected twists of fate lead them to stumble upon the charming town of Oamaru—and eventually, a forgotten treasure: Casa Nova House.
In this episode, you’ll hear the serendipitous story of how they discovered this secluded 1861 stone mansion nestled among the trees in New Zealand’s South Island—and what sparked their bold decision to make it their own.
Casa Nova House - The Journey
