About us

Kurt and Rachel will be your hosts whilst you stay at Lynton Downs.
Along with their family, they are proud to share their love of the land with others who will enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the farm’s stunning beauty with its wide-open spaces, native bush and mountain vistas. Kurt – the farmer, is passionate about his dogs, livestock and conserving and caring for the land. He loves backcountry NZ, tramping, hunting, fishing and boating. Rachel – the farmer’s wife shares Kurt’s interests and is also a keen gardener and baker who can often be found in the homestead’s gardens. We both work on the farm but are available should you need us for anything.

We are especially delighted to share our story with you. We have had a break from running the farm stay as in November 2016 the Kaikoura earthquake changed our lives in an instant. It caused huge damage to both the infrastructure and land on the farm, and we faced a significant restoration of the homestead. We lived for almost four years with our children in our Quarters while the rebuild was happening and in 2020 returned to the stunningly restored homestead which will now  be ready to hold another 150 years of history within its walls. We look forward to you visiting and sharing your stories with us.

---

The Bartrum family

History of Lynton Downs

Lynton Downs was created in 1883 when a block of land was split from Swyncombe Station. This was land given by William Woods to his eldest son Charles.
 The homestead is thought to have been built in the 1860's, for it has been recorded in the 1905 Cyclopaedia of New Zealand.  The house was added to with an upstairs floor being built and modernised in 1898, this was shortly before Charles married, the couple would have four children, the eldest boy being named Lynton.
​
To the right of the front door is a two-story turret complete with cast iron mount. A trellised portico sits above the front door, welcoming guests into the distinctively styled weatherboard house. 

The owners of Lynton Downs are now The Rickman family having purchased the station in 1958.
Over the years everyone who has been lucky to call Lynton Downs home have continued to care for and take on the role of guardianship of this very special place for future generations.