437 ST BATHANS LOOP RD
RD2 OMAKAU 9377
CENTRAL OTAGO, NZ
ELEVATION 480M
AREA 2,100 HA
STOCK 8,000 SU
A working sheep & beef farm with two places to stay, a hundred-year-old grainshed full of dahlias, and the kind of quiet that takes a day or two to settle into.
We're Chip and Paulette Duncan, and together with our three children, we've been farming sheep and beef for over twenty years on St Bathans Loop Road. Cold winters, hot summers, sweeping views of the surrounding ranges — this land is truly home.
Stay at Hopehill Farmhouse, a four-bedroom country home with views of the Blackstone Hills, or retreat to Prospect Cabin, our off-grid hideaway for two.
Plate i — Chip & Paulette,
your hosts
Two ways to settle in,
both with the sky to themselves.
A shepherd's smoko hut, lifted across the farm and rebuilt on a quiet rise overlooking Mt St Bathans and the Hawkdun Range. There's not another building in sight — just sky, hills, and space to breathe.
A spacious four-bedroom character house set among sweeping lawns and towering Sequoia trees, with views across rolling farmland to the Blackstone Hills. A private, peaceful base for families and gatherings.
"I grew cut flowers from seed for the first time for our son's wedding. The next season I doubled the growing area."
Dahlias are the main crop, alongside snapdragons, scabiosa, sweet peas, asters, sunflowers and zinnias. Sales are from our 100-year-old Grainshed during the season — by the bucket for events and DIY weddings, or by the bunch for the kitchen table.
Main season: early Jan — April. Spot blooms from Oct.
A private swimming hole a few minutes' walk from the cabin. Cold, clear, willow-shaded.
Wander Paulette's cut-flower rows beside the Grainshed and the Indian Runner ducks' pond.
Plus the rest of the farm hellos — sheep, cattle, dogs, runner ducks, and a small coloured flock.
Hand-written by guests
in the cabin & farmhouse.
Transcribed verbatim.
"If you're looking for a place to refresh your soul, this is the spot."
"What a beautiful little oasis! A little home away from home — we'll be spreading the word about this gem."
"Excellent house for our family gathering, perfect backdrop, so peaceful — reminded us of our farm at Warepa."
"Amazing hot water, comfy beds, and a cosy homelike atmosphere. Beautiful views and fresh air."
Paulette and Chip Duncan, your hosts.
