The story behind The Gardener’s Folly

The Gardener’s Folly is more than a place to stay. Set in New Zealand’s Forgotten World, it is the result of a remarkable journey that transformed an unwanted Auckland car sales office into the peaceful country retreat guests enjoy today.

Meet your hosts

Chris and Scott fell in love with New Zealand’s Forgotten World for its stunning landscapes, rich history and strong sense of community. What began as a visit to the region soon grew into a dream of making it home and sharing its beauty, heritage and tranquility with others.

Today, they are proud custodians of The Gardener’s Folly, sharing this special corner of New Zealand with guests from around the country and beyond. Their aim is simple: to provide a peaceful retreat where guests can slow down, unwind and discover the charm of this remarkable region.

From city car sales to country retreat

The Gardener’s Folly may feel perfectly at home in New Zealand’s Forgotten World, but its story began more than 300 kilometres to the north, in Auckland.

Built in 1987 as the sales office of a car dealership near Western Springs, the building served a very different purpose for much of its life. When Chris and Scott discovered it decades later, it was unwanted and unloved, and facing an uncertain future.

Rather than see the structure lost, they arranged for it to be relocated to Taumarunui, where it was carefully reimagined and transformed into the peaceful country retreat guests enjoy today. What was once destined for demolition has been given an entirely new chapter.