Elizabeth Kyle's Castle

Internationally recognised visionary artist, Elizabeth Grainger Kyle, originally from Rea Road, Katikati, has been searching for her 'Medieval Castle' styled gallery home ever since she left Katikati.

In 1978 her parents had given her a block of land when they subdivided the dairy farm her father had worked since WW2. Like her father, Elizabeth loved the land and Nature. As she sat in the old river bank and surveyed the property, she was given a vision of what her home and land will look like in the future, and she drew it. See detail above, or email qe3@bigpond.com and she will show you, or go to her Facebook page.

She also drew up plans for her home which architect Greg Vindriis built. This was her vision manifesting. She had the drive put in, lake(s) created and planted many of the trees. Unfortunately, after a few years, she had to sell the land as part of her divorce settlement.

Imagine her surprise when she recently returned to live in New Zealand to discover that her one-time home is for sale.

Elizabeth's original vision grew over the years to one in which she could pass down her legacy. It became more castle-like and her passions of Medieval history, Maori art, ballroom dancing, theatre, costume design, gardening, horse riding all be came part of it. She could see a place where people would come from far and wide to Medieval Fairs, extravagant fancy dress Balls, pop-up Medieval banquets, amateur theatre, art workshops, international guest speakers, a museum of art/design/costume/dance gowns and a library. It is a place of learning, creativity, love and caring. But all this is in the future still. What Elizabeth saw when she visited her one-time home is the perfect place in every way for this vision to manifest into the physical. Fantail Backpackers, as it is today, is neglected, unloved and in need of restoring. This is a PERFECT blank canvas on which Elizabeth can create her magical world. A labour of Love. On the nearly 7 hectares there is a huge paddock for the Medieval Fairs, a fantastic hidden carpark, room for the Great Hall comprising her art gallery, (so the restaurant can reopen), ballroom, theatre etc.

Instantly, the room that was Fantail Lodge's restaurant can be her art gallery. She can take her drawing workshops, and all the other happenings can naturally unfold. There will need to be close working with the County Coucil to get the correct permits.

Elizabeth's goal is to leave this cultural sanctuary to the community, in a Trust or similar, when she dies. This inspiring, cultural, learning centre will be an asset to Katikati, the Bay of Plenty and to New Zealand.

Please donate to secure this property, also legal and financial advice would be most helpful. The asking price is $2m. Tenders close on 29th September if not sold before.

About the sale: www.realestate.co.nz/2883373

Note: If Elizabeth is unsuccessful in securing Fantail Lodge, she would appreciate the backers permission to use their donations in another property with all the same aspirations, goals, effort and purpose that she has outlined here. It will also be gifted to the community on her passing.