Our Story

An Extraordinary Family Journey

From a rural hillside overrun by sheep to one of New Zealand's finest boutique lodges

Stoneridge Estate represents four decades of passionate and inspired work by one pioneering Kiwi family, reclaiming materials from old historic buildings from across New Zealand and turning them into a unique architectural creation.

The Ruins

The Ruins

Over a century before the founding stones of Stoneridge were laid, Morven Hill was home to the historic Maynes Hotel. Popular with coachmen and travellers alike, it is said that after the wayward landlord lost his liquor license and sold the roof slate to pay his debts, the hotel was left to fall into disrepair, with the stone ruins of this heritage building still standing at the bottom of the estate today.

The Founding of Stoneridge

In 1981, local artist and landowner Da’Vella Gore came across an old Catholic church being demolished on the North Island and a spark was ignited within her. Purchasing the church on a whim with a dream of transporting the sacred materials to her little piece of Central Otago hillside and transforming them into something beautiful, that moment marked the beginning of an incredible family journey.

Over the years, Da’Vella has dedicated her life to creating the stunning old English country house that has since been reimagined as our Cellar Door, together with the romantic stone Chapel by the Lake, water gardens and vineyard that are now part of our beautiful grounds.

A Family Spirit

A Family Spirit

Having spent his childhood watching and helping his mother on her journey, Da’Vella’s son Wayne inherited her passion and spirit for the estate that she had created. After a brief time away from home, he moved back to Lake Hayes in the 1990s with his wife and a dream to build a boutique lodge – and so the family made their first foray into the luxury hospitality industry. Under the guiding hand of Wayne and his wife, Stoneridge Estate has grown into one of the country’s most unique luxury lodges, welcoming travellers from across the world to experience true Kiwi hospitality in their little piece of paradise.

Da’Vella, Wayne and their family invite you to experience the estate for yourselves and join them on this incredible journey.

View Gallery