The Aristocrat’s Sojurn
You are cordially invited to escape to the countryside.
Experience an exclusive two-night getaway secluded in luxury where you won’t have to lift a finger.
Dishes? What are they?
Food shopping? Don’t bother!
Packing list? Only your ballgown and tails darling.
We’ll provide the rest.
Your sojourn to the countryside includes:
Exclusive use of the Estate for Two Nights
Reconnect deeply with the people you came with away from the noise of the world.
Stay in Two Suites with Ensuites for up to Four People
Enjoy all the luxurious comforts of our well-appointed suites, and enough space to feel truly rested.
Early Check in 2:00pm
Set the tone for the entire stay with a relaxed start.
Three-Course Country Dinner in our Dining Room with Wine
Feel like a main character in a period drama at your first meal together.
Continental Breakfast for both mornings
Wake up to a sumptuous spread laid out in the dining room and a fresh pot of tea or coffee at your elbow.
Complimentary Activity
Try making cordial, paint a pastoral scene, pot up herbs, or create something in the workshop. You’ll bring home a personalised momento of your time at the estate.
Your Choice of High Tea or a Picnic Lunch
Experience being served like the Duchess of Bedford, or roam alfresco in the gardens for an idyllic lunch of leisure.
Your Choice of a Canapé Party in the Drawing Room or a Three-Course Dinner in the Dining Room
All the festive atmosphere of a black tie party, without the overwhelming crush of people and noise – your own private soiree.
Let us take the effort out of planning your stay. You’ll be taken care of like royalty, and let’s be clear – you deserve it!
The Aristocrat’s Sojourn
Two Nights Stay for four people – 1795
What Aristocrat’s say:
A girly getaway in nature and calm reliving our childhood past time of garden picnics and pretty frocks and flowers! Absolutely fantastic food and drinks. Left with a very happy full heart and tummy! Thank you so much for a magical weekend getaway in your beautiful home, it has been so refreshing and heartwarming 💕
Guest at Hemsworth EstateGreat place to stay, warm and inviting, lovely treats – especially for the dogs! So much fun seeing the dogs enjoy their 3 course meal alongside us. Also enjoyed our own very generous 3 course dinner. Then a great breakfast the following morning. I don’t know why but getting up to a table laid out with lovely breakfast foods is one of the best things about travelling away!!
Elaine StringerRebecca is a great host. She surprised us with a 3 course meal that tasted excellent. Also the breakfast was exceptional, always a lovingly set table with candles as if you were on a honeymoon. We really enjoyed the 2 nights we stayed. The house has a beautifully landscaped garden, we used the quiet secluded location to relax on various seating options in the garden surrounded by old trees and lots of flowers. Recommended for couples.
Guest at Hemsworth EstateYour Accomodation
The Wallace Suite
Overlooking the hydrangea garden, this room is frequently enjoyed as a Bridal Suite. Featuring a king size bed, ensuite, dressing table, chest of drawers, two built in wardrobes, and a settee for two.
The Guinness Suite
This spacious suite includes a window seat, overlooking the cottage garden and lawn. Featuring a king size bed that can also be two singles, dressing table, wardrobe, arm chair and an ensuite.
Suggested Itinerary
Arrival Day
4:00pm – Arrival and Check in
5:00pm – Tour of the Grounds
6:00pm – Three Course Dinner in the Dining Room
Evening – Retire to the Drawing Room
Full Day
8:30am – 10:00am – Breakfast in the Dining Room
10:30am – Your choice of Morning Activity
1:30pm – Picnic Lunch in the Garden or High Tea in the Drawing Room
3:30pm – Free Time
6:00pm – Your choice of Canapé Party in the Drawing Room or Three-Course Dinner in the Dining Room
Evening –Retire to the Drawing Room
Departure Day
8:30am – 10:00am – Breakfast in the Dining Room
10:00am – Free time
11:00am – Depart Hemsworth Estate
Note: Wet Weather alternatives planned for all outdoor activities.
Additional Information
See below for additional information about your sojourn.
Ammenities
Each room comes equipped with a welcome kit, snack basket, jug and water glasses, an ensuite or full bathroom per suite. All bathrooms have hair dryers, shampoo, conditioner, soap, fresh linens and vanity kits. There is wifi in the homestead, plus parking, tea and coffee facilities and more.
Meals
Breakfast including freshly baked goods, homemade jams, fruits, spreads, and more is available from 8:30am – 10:30am in the dining room along with tea, coffee, and juice.
A Picnic Lunch in a basket will be available to pick up to enjoy on the grounds of Hemsworth Estate. Each basket is has enough for two and served with a bottle of Lemonade or Bubbles.
High Tea is a sumptuous affair laden on a Cake Tier alongside freshly made scones with homemade jam and cream. Served with a sparking Cocktail or Mocktail, plus pots of Tea and Coffee.
Dinner each evening, will be a lavish 3-course affair with wine that some guests have rated higher than New Zealand’s local castle.
Canapé Party is a festive but relaxed affair served in our Drawing Room self-serve style alongside a bar of wine, beer and a signature cocktail or mocktail.
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives are available upon request. Please let us know when you fill out our Camp Intake form.
Staff
Camp Hemsworth is run by fourth generation custodians of Hemsworth Estate Rebecca Hulse and Jema Smith. See more about the history of Hemsworth Estate and what the current owners are up to here.
Accessibility
The nature of Hemsworth Estate’s 1911 Historic Homestead setting is the building does not cater to modern standards. There are four shallow steps with no handrail to the main entrance of the building. Each persons needs are unique so we ask you give us a call to discuss your requirements and see how we can meet them. We do have an accessible bathroom external to the homestead (ground floor access).
About your Hosts
Rebecca, Jema (and Willow the puppy) are fourth generation custodians of Rebecca’s family-owned farm. Gently restored in preparation for welcoming the public, now the couple host weddings, events and guests in the Homestead year round.
For almost 100 years Hemsworth Estate has been a family home of celebration from birthday parties to weddings, curating special memories almost as easily as its rare and precious items.
Rebecca and Jema are now dedicated to providing relaxed, professional hosting making sure you feel at ease.
When they’re not hosting, you’ll find Jema out in the workshop bringing projects to life or in the farm yard, taming barn cats. You’ll find Rebecca in the kitchen preserving produce fresh from the farm, or researching new ideas for events to host.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hemsworth Estate?
Hemsworth Estate is located at 356 Beach Roast East, Ashburton. We’re less than 10 minutes drive from the centre of town, and one hour south of Christchurch. You can see our Google Maps listing here.
What time is Check in and Check Out?
The Aristocrat’s Sojourn enjoys an early check-in time of 2:00pm and check-out by 11:00am on day of departure.
Can you cater to Dietary Requirements?
Yes we can cater to most dietary requirements with advance notice including Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan. Please call to confirm we can cater to your requests. Please note, we do not have a separate facility for Gluten Free food preparation and cannot guarantee cross-contamination will not occur.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
You will have a choice of two suites:
The Wallace Suite
Overlooking the hydrangea garden, this room is frequently enjoyed as a Bridal Suite. Featuring a king size bed, ensuite, dressing table, chest of drawers, two built in wardrobes, and a settee for two.
The Guinness Suite
This spacious suite includes a window seat, overlooking the cottage garden and lawn. Featuring a king size bed that can also be two singles, dressing table, wardrobe, arm chair and an ensuite.
If you add an additional accomodation, your party will also enjoy The Morning Room.
The Morning Room
This beautifully appointed room overlooks the front garden and verandah. Featuring a hand-plastered ornate ceiling, a queen size bed, seating area, and clothes rail. Please note, there is a short walk down the hall to the large bathroom with claw-foot bath for this room.
All accomodation includes the following ammenities:
- Bath Robes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- King Sized Bed or Two Single Beds
- Ensuite
- Hair Dryer
- Wardrobe or Clothing Rail
- Antique Furnishings
- Seating Area
- Water Service
- Complimentary Welcome Basket
What Activities are available?
We have a wide range of activities to enjoy. Some are seasonal marked by an asterisk. You can also select additional activities to try for a fee.
Gardening
Herb Terracotta Pots
Pots of Colour/Spring Bulbs*
Create a bouquet/floral arrangement
Fruit Picking*
Visit a local Sunflower Field
Crafts
Paint and Sip
Water Colours
Kitchen
Make Cordial
Make Jam
Picking and Preserving Fruit
Workshop
Make a Book stand
Entertainment
Watch an Outdoor Movie
Try a Murder Mystery Board Game
Dance Lessons
Croquet and Lawn Games
Can we bring our dog?
Yes, your fur-baby is most welcome to join the aristocracy. See the full details, services and conditions of bringing your dog to Hemsworth Estate here.
There is a 60 pet fee for this boutique service.
Terms and Conditions
All usual terms and conditions of staying at Hemsworth Estate apply. You can see these here.
The Aristocrat’s Sojourn offer is only available when no other events are held for the public.
A 15% fee is charged upon booking your stay, and the remainder is due 1 week beforehand, automatically charged to the credit card on file unless alternative arrangements are made ahead of time.
Cancellations and Refunds:
- Cancellations made 1 month or more in advance of arrival date = Full deposit refund
- Cancellation made 7 days or more of arrival date = No refund for deposit but no charge for the remainder owning.
- Cancellation made within 6 days of arrival date = No refund issued, full amount of booking due.
Additions:
The More the Merrier
You can also add on another Suite and two people for an additional 850.
Extend Your Stay
You can add on additional night for 500 per night
(750 per night for six people)
Additional Activities
Ask us about your dream activities and we will offer a custom quote to fulfil your desire..
Theme Weekend
Bridgerton, Regency, Edwardian, 1920s, Fantasy and more.
Ask us if you’d to theme your Sojourn.
Questions?
We’d be happy to help. Please contact us here or call Rebecca on 0274339779.