Series 1 of the Last Resort Podcast comes to an end with this final episode of Casa Nova House – The Journey.

Spanning 5 years, our host Katrina McLarin has told her story of their restoration and business journey of Casa Nova House. From its stately inception in 1861, this stunning Victorian mansion continues to survive in the 21st century through many adaptions, stories and uses. Its relevance and significance will continue well into the future.

Casa Nova House - The Journey

Despite unforeseen obstacles, our resilient owners persist in pursuing their dream of opening their business to the public, undeterred by the setbacks of a fallen tree and damaged car. However, the uncooperative timing and impending winter force them to readjust their plans and postpone their debut.

Casa Nova House - The Journey

Battling a pandemic and extensive renovations prove to be child’s play when our host is faced with the possibility that it may all be for nothing!

With this project already proving to be one of the most challenging Katrina and Brenda have ever faced, they’re now forced into a hearing, and their fates lie in the hands of others.

As they wait on tenterhooks to see if their restaurant will ever be a reality, the universe deals another blow and it seems the sky is falling.

Casa Nova House - The Journey

163 years of history; our host is joined by Sarah Gallagher, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Area Manager for Otago & Southland. Katrina and Sarah dive into the history of Casa Nova House and discuss the tragic love story of its original owner and Casa Nova’s evolution, including over 60 years of hospitality. Exciting revelations are made in discussing the historic precinct of Oamaru and securing its journey to the future.

Casa Nova House - The Journey

Funding secured, our host is finally on track to begin major renovations, when seemingly out of nowhere, the world is turned upside down with the outbreak of Covid-19. Forced into a nationwide lock-down, with little income and mounting debt…is there an end in sight and would the world look the same at the end of it? Our host deals with the big issues - they have toilet paper, but do they have enough paint?!

Casa Nova House - The Journey

Expect the unexpected! Now a daily mantra in the retention repairs of Casa Nova House. In the middle of winter, freezing and no heating our host and her wife battle the cold elements to start to turn this once grand old lady into a working masterpiece.

Casa Nova House - The Journey

The dream of relocating to the South Island of New Zealand takes an unexpected twist. The bidding war is on to purchase Casa Nova House and whilst our host and her wife are ultimately successful with their purchase….they end up homeless in Oamaru.

Casa Nova House - The Journey

A bicycling holiday and a few twists of fate leads our host and her wife to stumble across a hidden gem, the town of Oamaru and the eventual discovery of Casa Nova House. In this episode you will find out about the discovery and the journey to purchase this stately mansion secluded by trees and off the beaten track in the South Island of New Zealand.

Casa Nova House - The Journey