One of Central Otago’s most significant historic properties, Earnscleugh Castle, will officially reopen its doors in September 2026, perfectly timed to coincide with the region’s renowned Blossom Festival.

The castle featured as the opening episode of Grand Designs New Zealand Season 10 on Sunday 12 April 2026. The episode has been praised by media outlets and viewers as one of the best Grand Designs episodes ever, putting the “grand back in grand designs” and generating an overwhelmingly positive and large media response across New Zealand

The castle will operate as a luxury bed and breakfast offering six elegant guest suites and rooms in the main castle and three additional rooms in the restored Coach House. With its grand yet intimate scale, Earnscleugh Castle is also ideally suited as a private corporate retreat venue for small, high-end groups seeking privacy and luxury in an iconic landmark located just a few minutes from Clyde.

With a sensitive restoration that honours its heritage while introducing modern luxury, Earnscleugh Castle will also be the exclusive home of Sanctum 7, a new 7-day luxury wellness retreat experience launching in November 2026.

“Earnscleugh Castle has always been about grandeur, elegance and a deep sense of sanctuary,” says Ryan Sanders, owner of Earnscleugh Castle and founder of Sanctum 7. “Creating Sanctum7 is the culmination of everything I’ve learned works for me personally - the practices that truly help me restore balance, re-centre, and feel like myself again. Designed for busy professionals and devoted parents who rarely get time to put themselves first, Sanctum7 is a reminder that true nurture isn’t selfish - it’s essential”.

Each Sanctum 7 retreat is limited to just 12 guests and features personalised wellness protocols including pre-retreat functional testing, tailored vegetarian and juice programmes, IV drips, breathwork, ice baths, yoga, sound healing and daily nature immersion on the estate’s private grounds.

About Earnscleugh Castle

Earnscleugh Castle is one of Central Otago’s most significant historic properties. Lovingly restored with respect for its heritage, the castle now offers six elegant guest rooms in the main building and three additional suites in the Coach House. Set amid the orchards and vineyards of Central Otago, it provides a private, grand yet intimate sanctuary for guests seeking luxury, history and natural beauty.

https://www.earnscleughcastle.co.nz/

About Sanctum 7

Sanctum 7 offers 7-day luxury wellness retreats in exclusive private locations, beginning at Earnscleugh Castle in Central Otago. Designed for those navigating the pressures of work and family life, each retreat combines science-backed wellness protocols with personalised care in an intimate setting of just 12 guests. 

www.sanctum7.co

Ryan Sanders

Owner of Earnscleugh Castle and Founder of Sanctum 7

0212900343

ryan@earnscleughcastle.co.nz