One of Central’s loved historic buildings, Dunstan House - a boutique accommodation and cafe business - is on the market for the first time since 2018.

In 1863 ‘The Dunstan’ was built with a weatherboard construction, there was a dining, drawing and smoking room and many fun Saturday nights were had there, including theatrical performances, dancers and a brass band. 

The building was a spot to rest up and stable horses for the three day trip to Dunedin, or the journey to Queenstown.

A fire destroyed the original hotel and it was rebuilt, integrating the original cellar, in 1898. Construction was from local schist and native kauri which endures today in the main stairway. 

Tall Poppy real estate agent Fiona Cooper said the interest so far was in line with what she would expect for a property of this calibre.

“The current owners plan was always to have the business for five years, and they’ve got to that point now. 

“After building up a successful business with two income streams, they’re looking for something different to do and a new challenge.”

Craftsmanship of a bygone era: The interior kauri panelling and staircase of  Dunstan House

The business is on a section of 614m2 and 440m2 of floor area consisting of 11 guest rooms, some named after influential people in Central’s gold mining past.

Dunstan House has a category two listing with the Historic Places Trust, as a place of historical or cultural significance or value. 

It provided accommodation through the gold rush until the hotel shut in 1937, and was then a boarding house and private home under a variety of owners.

In the 1990s it was renovated and modernised, including ensuite bathrooms and the restaurant was created in the old bar and billiard room. 

The current owners Meredith and Ian Kerrisk have had the hotel since 2018. The Trademe advertisement states enquiries over $3.5M are being taken on the property.