"As well as the castle and extensive vineyards, this property contains a 200-seat restaurant complex, historic stables, a theatre for 225 people, four dormitory facilities capable of accommodating up to 300 people, a library, technology centre, gymnasium and extensive equestrian facilities. It even has a centuries' old cave and a 1500m grass airstrip."
The history of Campbell Park Estate dates back to 1857, when William Dansey purchased and lived on the sheep and cattle station that later became the estate. He had the first house built in 1861 and "Dansey's Hut" remains on the property.
Dansey sold the property in 1861 to Robert Campbell, the son of a wealthy Scottish family with business interests in England and Australia. Campbell then brought in a workforce of Scottish craftsmen, and material from Scotland and Italy, to build the castle and stables in 1876.
In 1908, the estate was sold to the New Zealand Education Board, which used it as a school for boys until 1987. In 1988, after the school closed, the estate passed into private ownership and the current owners began its transformation into a multi-faceted complex.
Campbell Park Estate has been used in many film productions, including Narnia, and for numerous sporting events including the Springston Trophy - New Zealand's largest equestrian event involving 350 horses and 1000 competitors.
The estate has also hosted many musical, arts and cultural festivals and has been used as a production and administration centre for Meridian Energy.
Beresford says the property is effectively divided into three main parts: "The first is the historic estate and many period-support buildings with a park-like setting. This includes the castle, historic stables, a large restored villa and an ancient cave."
The area directly surrounding the castle includes a 200-seat restaurant complex, a 225-seat theatre and accommodation buildings. "These include four dormitories capable of accommodating 300 people, and could be easily be converted into condominiums," Beresford says.
Six classrooms, a library, arts and crafts rooms and technology centre form part of the campus, as do a well-equipped sports centre with a covered swimming pool, modern indoor gymnasium, tennis courts, sports fields, extensive equestrian facilities and the 1500m grass airstrip.
"The second part of this property comprises a community of 32 homes located in a quaint village setting," Hutt says.
"Among the buildings in the village are 10 three-bedroom villas, five 1940s hardwood three-bedroom homes, four Oamaru stone three-bedroom homes, 13 brick three- and four-bedroom homes, as well as a classic 230sq m clubhouse."
The third part of the offering comprises 204.4525ha of farmland.
Hutt says Campbell Park is "centred in the gateway to the High Country", with world-class fishing, hunting and sporting opportunities nearby. "Equidistant from Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin, the estate is in the heart of the natural splendour of the Waitaki Valley and offers a rarely found blend of utility, beauty and tranquillity."
Beresford says Campbell Park Estate can accommodate the needs of more than 300 people.
"The site would be ideal as an educational campus of any form - secondary, tertiary or even adult education - as the property possesses all of the necessary accommodation and facilities that a modern educational facility requires."
However, Beresford says the estate could be used in a variety of other ways: "It would be a wonderful place for a retreat. Various retreats have already been held here. It is also ideal as a conference complex, offering
accommodation as an all-inclusive venue, with lots of activities on the estate.
"And because Campbell Park has its own grade-seven runway, immense infrastructure and is within close proximity to a multitude of popular New Zealand destinations, it would be a useful place to set up an aeronautical facility."
Beresford says there are many interested parties. "Private schools in Australia and New Zealand are looking at this property, as well as religious organisations, church camps and Bible colleges.
"Maori and iwi groups may find this to be a suitable base for their activities, or it could appeal to outdoor adventure/pursuit groups and health-retreat operators.
"It is a spectacular property that offers virtually limitless potential to the right buyer."
