Having a few days break in Oamaru. Often called Whitestone City because many of the important buildings are made of local limestone. Oamaru was a wealthy place in the 1880's; most of these buildings were built within a four-year period. Unfortunately for Oamaru, the boom soon turned to bust when the city was sidelined by a better port at Timaru, further north. The buildings were not even considered worth demolishing, but now have been preserved and restored as a rare example of a Victorian mercantile and harbour precinct.
The Criterion Hotel
Wool store
Wool and grain merchants
The harbour
I'm staying at Bookbinder's Retreat, run by the craftsman bookbinder here, Michael O'Brien. It's a cosy little studio...
with a compact kitchen...
a peaceful garden...
antique fittings...
a view of the gardens and the sea from...
the garden balcony.
The weather has been nice today, but a sea-fog is rolling in now. I went for a long walk through the botanic gardens today. Tomorrow I hit the Art Gallery and the bookshops!
The Bookbinders Retreat looks blissful - as does your agenda for tomorrow. Have fun - and treat yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks - will do!
DeleteWhat gorgeous old buildings and the retreat accom. looks amazing.
ReplyDelete