Fernside, the set of some memorable scenes in The Lord of the Rings in rural New Zealand has recently been listed for $5,200,000. Fernside has a rich history including starring in movies, built in 1924 it was also a fabulous place for the rich and famous to party.
At Fernside, two major scenes were shot for the major blockbuster series The Lord of the Rings. Specifically, scenes in The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers.
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In the first, the lake on the property was converted into Silverlode River, which is where Lady Galadriel and the other elves say goodbye to Frodo. In the second, Smeagol and Deagol fight in Gladden Fields where the One Ring is found.
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The property itself is 12 hectares or 29 acres full of a variety of different gardens, lakes, and outbuildings. Some of the areas include an Arts and Crafts garden, Mercury garden, Lutyens-style goldfish pond, Fernside Lake, chess garden, tennis court garden, Secret Garden, glasshouses, pumphouse, knot garden, sunken garden in the Victorian style, native garden, and more. Many of these gardens have been restored, yet still keep features and structures from the original Victorian style including many of the trees that are over 100 years old.
The house is two floors and is made in an 'L' shape. The home itself has a Neo-Georgian style and many original features like servant bells are still present. On the main floor, there is a grand entrance that leads to three different reception rooms; a drawing room with a sunroom, a dining room, and a library area.
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The property has been around since the 1860s and was turned into a homestead and entertainment home. In the 1950s, the United States government purchased it to use for ambassadors. More recently, it was managed by a trust, and the gardens can be seen by the public via a tour organized by Flat Earth New Zealand Experiences. In 2007, the current owners bought the estate after it fell into disrepair and restored it to its former glory.
The estate is represented by PQ Property Intelligence/Forbes Global Properties. Together with the owner, they have listed the house at $5.2 million.
Photo Credit: Forbes Global Properties
