For Dani Ferrier, Warwick House is more than just a historic mansion – it’s a place woven into her family’s story. Built in 1854, the ‘Castle’ has seen many chapters unfold, from its Victorian origins to becoming the heart of a vibrant community today.
Photos: Tessa Claus
The story
My parents bought Warwick House 21 years ago, we had just moved back to New Zealand from Hong Kong. My mum always wanted to renovate an old home, and when they found the ‘Castle’, they couldn’t let it go. The seven-year restoration transformed it into our family home. When my siblings and I moved out, my parents converted it into a Bed and Breakfast. When Covid hit, they lost almost all their bookings, so I returned from the Netherlands to run it as medium- to long-term accommodation. Now, a lovely group of open minded people live here, most are travellers and working holiday visitors who stay six to twelve months, with some staying longer.
We also host events in the ballroom. I call them community impact events, like yoga, contact dance, weaving workshops, community gatherings, and women’s circles – lots of things. As long as the events benefit the community, I love using the space for them. I also run my coaching business from here. I’m a leadership coach, working with Nelson business owners. It’s great because you can feel the energy in the house; people love coming here for meetings.
Design and renovations
It’s a Victorian-era home. My parents did a lot of research into that period. My mum is also a trained interior designer. They spent a lot of time reading history books in Wellington, learning about the house and its era. They even conducted interviews, finding Daisy Jenna who was 92 years old and had once been the housekeeper here. Parts of the house had been converted into offices at one point. The ballroom had been divided into separate rooms with partitioning walls and vinyl flooring. My parents restored it to the grand ballroom it is today.
Where we shopped
It was a process of shopping around to find the right pieces and materials to bring the house back to its authentic state. Most of the wallpapers came from England, and much of the furniture we brought back from Asia. Warwick House is now home to one of the largest collections of Asian furniture in New Zealand. We also visited the local auction house often to find other pieces. I remember choosing the chandelier for the ballroom when I was twelve. My mum took me around to different shops for about six months before finding the perfect one.
Favourite nooks
The bay view window in the ballroom. When the trees change colour in autumn and the light shines through them, the whole room lights up in orange. Sitting in that window with a glass of bubbles, I could almost cry because it’s so beautiful!
Every home should have...
Spirit. I believe we add energy to the spaces we’re in. When we look for people to live here, we seek those who want to add energy and love living here. In one of the kitchens, we have a big, beautiful bench – a really social space where we make gnocchi or pizza for 25 people and spend time together. When there’s conversation and laughter, and people connecting, that fills the house with spirit.
The neighbourhood
I love our neighbourhood – beautiful homes, birdsong, and neighbours who join our weekly jam sessions in the ballroom.
Up next
Right now, we’re simply appreciating and enjoying this place. It’s time for a change, though, and the house is on the market. We’re focusing now on the energy we’re creating in the house with the tenants and events, so we can pass that energy on to whoever might be the new owner.
Best memory
We celebrated my parents’ 20th anniversary of owning the house last year. My cousin wrote a beautiful poem that perfectly captured the essence of Warwick House. I had everyone in the ballroom close their eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine the history that has unfolded in that room. So much has happened here since it was built in 1854. While their eyes were closed, I read the poem. It was a magical moment.
