Our Story

Their paths crossed by chance, when Lorraine and her husband Rob became the proud owners of Okuku Country Estate, now a beautiful boutique lodge occupying one of the district’s most outstanding homesteads and Glenice and husband James, at the same time purchased Birch Hill Homestead, a 1908 Arts and Crafts styled homestead designed by the well known and respected Canterbury architect Hurst Seager.

In the late 19th and early 20th century both homesteads were inextricably linked by the Milton brothers who between them owned and managed 30,000 acres in and around the Mount Thomas, Glentui and Okuku districts.  These two holdings were Rakahuri, taking in the surrounding areas near the Ashley River and Birch Hill Station taking up the area around Mt Thomas and the Garry River

Both women are now joining forces in the 21st century, linking these homesteads in the bond they once shared.  The catalyst for this bond is Jill Edwards of Oxford Shuttles, a thriving shuttle business servicing the Oxford area.  Jill a city girl herself also found solace in the country and in partnership with Lorraine and Glenice have devised a garden and homestead tour of both these magnificent homesteads, giving an insight into the “landed gentry” that these historical homes once portrayed, with their large gardens, peacocks strutting the lawn, maids quarters, magnificent panelled wall reception areas and the various quirks that went with the times, such as smoking vents for the cigar smokers, sprung floors for dancing and service bells.

'A joy to visit and a privilege to share'