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 5 - Honouring the Past & Inspiring the Future
163 years of history come to life as Katrina is joined by Sarah Gallagher, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Area Manager for Otago & Southland. Together, they explore the rich past of Casa Nova House, uncovering a tragic love story tied to its original owner, and tracing the evolution of this grand mansion—including over 60 years as a beloved hospitality hub.
In this episode, Sarah and Katrina reveal thrilling historical secrets about Casa Nova, dive into the fascinating heritage of Oamaru’s historic precinct, and discuss the plans for securing its future.
Casa Nova House - The Journey
