Welcome to Longwood
Reputedly New Zealand’s largest private home, Longwood welcomes you in the finest English country-house tradition — grand rooms, open fires and gracious hospitality, wrapped in gardens a century in the making.
The House
Longwood, named after Napoleon’s house of exile on St Helena, was taken up as a sheep station in the 1850's by Henry Bunny who built a small house on the property and established the gardens. In 1906 it burned down and was replaced with a brick house designed by John Swan. This house was subsequently remodelled by William Gray Young in 1921. The style is English-asymmetrical in the manner of Lutyens, with a gracious neo-Georgian interior of grand staircases, ornate ceilings, Adam fireplaces and fine wood panelling.
Four large ensuite bedrooms wait upstairs with canopied beds, antique furnishings and open fires. Four more bedrooms are available for larger groups or small conferences. Savour dinner in the glorious dining room, relax in the library, or view the stars from the balcony or loggia.
The Grounds
Wander park-like grounds shaded by venerable English trees, retire to the Sunken Garden with a book, or take to the lawn for tennis, croquet and boules. A swimming pool, tennis court and the estate’s historic stables sit among grounds and outbuildings that carry Heritage New Zealand’s highest status.
Weddings & Functions
Exchange vows on the lawn beneath century-old trees, dine under ornate ceilings, and host your guests across the estate’s rooms. Every gathering at Longwood is arranged with care and a little old-world grace.
Lawn and marquee ceremonies among the gardens and heritage trees.
Private dinners in the dining room, library and loggia.
On-site accommodation for your closest guests in the house.
Functions, retreats and private occasions, tailored to you.
Meetings & Retreats
Trade the boardroom for a heritage country house an hour from Wellington. Longwood lends itself to board meetings, strategy days and creative retreats — the panelled rooms make for focused sessions, while the gardens, loggia and open fires draw people together.
Take the estate exclusively for the day or stay the night: with on-site accommodation, wholesome and creative catering and Martinborough’s wineries at the gate, a small conference here feels a world away from the office.
The Region
Longwood lies a little over an hour from Wellington and minutes from Martinborough and Greytown. Martinborough is 15 minutes, Greytown is 8 minutes. The South Wairarapa is a region renowned for world-class Pinot Noir, boutique wineries, gourmet food, excellent shopping and a vibrant arts scene. Beyond the vines are wild coastlines, the Putangirua Pinnacles and the Cape Palliser seal colony.
Gallery
Stories
History, romance, and creativity come together at Longwood, making it an exceptional setting for love stories, weddings, film and photography shoots, and memorable cultural events. Longwood offers an authentic backdrop that inspires lovers, storytellers, and visitors.
Longwood was the perfect location for the Apple TV+ fantasty series Time Bandits. The Taika Waititi, Iain Morris and Jemaine Clement production filmed multiple scenes at the stately home.
See more: Stately Featherston home welcomes Time BanditsHamish popped the question while the couple were on holiday in the Wairarapa, so it was fitting they returned to the region for their wedding day.
See more: Classic romance in the WairarapaWedding, lifestyle and commercial photographer David Le says the Wairarapa turned it on for his collaborative photoshoot at Longwood Estate.
See more: SONY NZ Styled Shoot Wairapapa Longwood x Rose & SmithActivist, advocate and writer Denis O’Reilly stayed at Longwood during Booktown. He spent an uplifting weekend in the small provincial town of Featherston.
See more: Reason to feel hopeful about Aotearoa'I think I'm gonna like it here!' - Writer Francesca Emms reflects on growning up at Longwood, a magical, beautiful, historical home.
See more: Room to Grown, Capital MagazineThe Homestead has significant architectural merit, designed by Wellington architect John Swan before being modified to a Lutyens-inspired design by noted architect William Gray Young.
See more: Read more: Historic Place Category 1, Heritage, NZEnquire
We would love to hear about your wedding, function or stay.
Visitors by appointment only
