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The Last Resort

The Last Resort

Written by: Katrina H McLarin
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The Ups and Downs of Buying a Stately Manor

Follow the wild, inspiring, and sometimes chaotic journey of Katrina McLarin and her wife Brenda Laverick as they trade in the ordinary for the extraordinary—purchasing and restoring Casa Nova House, a breathtaking 1861 Oamaru Stone mansion nestled in New Zealand’s stunning South Island.

From entrepreneurial dreams to real-life drama, this podcast dives into the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of taking on a historic property with no manual and no safety net. It’s a story of bold decisions, personal reinvention, and the power of saying yes to the unknown.

Whether you're into historic homes, renovation adventures, or stories of love and transformation, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

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Episodes
  • Ep 8 - New Home in Italian

    Ep 8 - New Home in Italian
    Jul 24 2024

    Series 1 of The Last Resort Podcast comes to a close with this final, reflective episode of Casa Nova House – The Journey. Over the past five years, Katrina McLarin has shared the highs, lows, and everything in between of restoring and transforming Casa Nova House. From its grand Victorian beginnings in 1861 to its modern-day reinvention, this stunning mansion has weathered the test of time and continues to adapt and thrive.

    In this episode, Katrina reflects on the remarkable journey of restoring this historic treasure and turning it into a vibrant future. Casa Nova House’s story is far from over, and its legacy will undoubtedly remain a significant part of history for generations to come.

    Casa Nova House - The Journey
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    56 mins
  • Ep 7 - Lagoon Fish & Flying Sauces

    Ep 7 - Lagoon Fish & Flying Sauces
    Jun 27 2024

    Despite a series of unexpected obstacles, Katrina and Brenda remain determined to turn their dream into reality. From a fallen tree blocking their path to a damaged car, nothing can stop them from working toward opening their business to the public. However, with winter fast approaching and timing working against them, they are forced to adjust their plans and postpone their debut.

    In this episode, follow their journey as they navigate the unpredictable road to opening Casa Nova to guests, and discover how their resilience is tested yet again.

    Casa Nova House - The Journey
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    39 mins
  • Ep 6 - Expect the Unexpected

    Ep 6 - Expect the Unexpected
    May 20 2024

    Battling a pandemic and tackling extensive renovations is one thing—but facing the possibility that it may all be for nothing? That's where Katrina and Brenda find themselves in this episode. As the Casa Nova House project becomes one of the most challenging endeavors they've ever taken on, the stakes rise when they are forced into a hearing that could determine their future.

    With their dream restaurant hanging in the balance, Katrina and Brenda are left waiting on tenterhooks. Just when they think they’ve weathered the worst, the universe deals another blow, leaving them questioning if their dream will ever become a reality. The journey takes a dramatic turn—will they triumph, or is the sky really falling?

    Casa Nova House - The Journey
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    53 mins
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