Steven de Graaf (chair of Cargill's Castle Trust) gave an enlightening presentation on the fascinating and somewhat chequered history of Cargill's Castle, culminating in its being abandoned in the 1970's whereupon the Council wanted to demolish it. Built in the 1870's it was once a magnificent 21 room mansion and although in ruins, it remains one of Dunedin's most significant historic structures. Various plans over the years to restore it to its former glory have all faltered but the Cargill's Castle Trust, established in 1997, is going to save it! Not to restore, but nonetheless to develop the site as a local and international visitor attraction. The vision of the Trust is to continue to stabilise the ruins with steel reinforcement, landscape and develop the grounds (visualise family picnics!) and develop a walking track to Tunnel Beach. The castle, while once in the same league, will never again be an Olveston or Larnach's Castle but I can already see it as a "must do" in the Lonely Planet Guide!Last Weeks Guest
Steven de Graaf (chair of Cargill's Castle Trust) gave an enlightening presentation on the fascinating and somewhat chequered history of Cargill's Castle, culminating in its being abandoned in the 1970's whereupon the Council wanted to demolish it. Built in the 1870's it was once a magnificent 21 room mansion and although in ruins, it remains one of Dunedin's most significant historic structures. Various plans over the years to restore it to its former glory have all faltered but the Cargill's Castle Trust, established in 1997, is going to save it! Not to restore, but nonetheless to develop the site as a local and international visitor attraction. The vision of the Trust is to continue to stabilise the ruins with steel reinforcement, landscape and develop the grounds (visualise family picnics!) and develop a walking track to Tunnel Beach. The castle, while once in the same league, will never again be an Olveston or Larnach's Castle but I can already see it as a "must do" in the Lonely Planet Guide!
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