Couple Transforms Former Bollywood Estate into Family Haven

A couple in New Zealand has turned a former Bollywood film set into a vibrant family home. In early 2019, Mandy and Tim Donaldson purchased the grand estate in Clarkville, North Canterbury, which had long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue due to its reclusive previous owners.

Originally built in the early 1990s, the property caught the attention of the local community for its impressive scale and elegant iron gates. After years of privacy, the estate briefly transformed into a bustling film set for a Bollywood movie, bringing excitement and activity to the otherwise quiet area.

Mandy, who had long admired the property due to its proximity to her family, decided to visit the open home with her husband and mother when it went up for sale. While Mandy was captivated, Tim, who had experience with the demands of maintaining a lifestyle property, was more cautious. He was aware that the estate would require significant investment and effort to restore.

Despite their previous home in Clearwater Resort, which they had built and loved, Mandy felt a strong desire for a space that could accommodate their blended family of six adult children and eight grandchildren. Even though she was drawn to the garden, she initially hesitated to bid at the auction, fearing the commitment it would entail.

On the day of the auction, Tim suggested they place a single bid when the property was listed at an unexpectedly low price. To their surprise, they won the auction. Mandy recalled feeling overwhelmed, stating, “I never wanted to get my hopes up. I was absolutely overwhelmed.” They moved into their new home in June 2019, ready to take on the challenges of renovation.

Over the years, the couple has completed multiple home restorations, yet the scale of this project was unprecedented. Their initial plans to upgrade the kitchen and paint a few rooms quickly expanded into a comprehensive renovation. Mandy noted, “Once we started, we realised the house needed more.” They replaced the kitchen, reconfigured living areas, and even removed a dated wall to create an open-plan space that seamlessly connects to the outdoor areas.

The entrance hall underwent a significant transformation, including the removal of original tiles to accommodate a modern design. Tim and Mandy chose a black tile inlay that complemented the home’s aesthetic. While they modernized many features, they decided to retain the intricate detailing of the original staircase balustrading.

With the interior renovations nearly complete, the couple turned their attention outdoors. “My art is the garden; I come alive when I am working in the garden,” Mandy expressed. She initially hesitated to make drastic changes to a garden that had developed over 35 years, but the couple found joy in uncovering hidden treasures as they pruned and cleared the growth.

Now, four years after taking ownership, the Donaldsons have made significant strides on their 3.8-hectare estate. They have enhanced the croquet lawn and encouraged new life in the woodland area, while a parterre garden is taking shape beyond the olive grove.

Their visit to the Taranaki Garden Festival was particularly inspiring for Mandy and invigorated Tim, reinforcing their commitment to the estate. “It was wonderful meeting many like-minded people. We both came away feeling super enthusiastic,” Mandy stated.

The couple is now preparing for their next goal: showcasing their home during the Ōhoka Garden Tour & Fete in November 2024. Mandy remarked, “This home has really grounded us as a family. Sharing it with the wider community is a bonus.”

In a personal Q&A, Mandy shared some of her favorite aspects of her transformed home. The dining room, with its view of the patio and pool house, stands out as a cherished gathering spot, while her favorite outdoor area is the newly built patio surrounded by roses.

Mandy also expressed her love for seasonal changes in the garden, from vibrant spring bulbs to the rich colors of autumn. As they plan future renovations, the couple is considering updates to the main bathroom, which has remained untouched since their arrival.

As Mandy puts it, “Less is more” is her guiding principle, helping her balance her creative vision with the tranquil beauty of their established garden. The Donaldsons’ journey from curious visitors to proud owners of a once-mysterious estate illustrates the power of passion, commitment, and community.