The school shut down in the 80’s and like many historic New Zealand properties, time took its toll. The buildings and property lost some of their former luster. Enter the McMahon family, with a thirst for hard work and a vision to restore a historic property. Fast forward through six years of hard kiwi slog and determination and this collection of beautiful buildings have been restored to their former glory. Particular attention has been paid to ensure the property retained its’ unique character and schoolhouse charm. In the summer of 2013 Old Forest School once again opened her doors to a community, quickly becoming a sort after and one-of-a-kind wedding venue. From the moment you enter Old Forest School you’ll be captured by her idyllic seclusion, rustic buildings, rambling wild-spirited gardens, giant 80 year old trees and open golden fields. There’s a choice of places for couples to say “I do”. You can choose from either the original schoolhouse or under the enormous Sycamore and Redwood trees (planted on a series of school arbour days more than 75 years ago).
Old Forest School has 5 acres of prettiness and privacy, so there’s plenty of room to add your own special touches to your day. There’s almost too many places for you to have your bridal photo shoot onsite at Old Forest School. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to photo locations; from the historic schoolhouse to the cabins to the Tin Shed to Faraway Wood to Lovelock Lane and the adjoining forest. All the while your guests will be enjoying a range of activities and for many take a trip down memory lane. They can partake in a relaxed drink and catch up with friends at the Redwood Bar or sit and sip in Tippy. For the more active, there’s the original tennis court, giant Jenga, pétanque, croquet, badminton, volleyball, cricket and lots of old school court games. As the sun goes down the Redwood Stables area provides a unique and relaxed wedding reception. There are two rustic barns with a central courtyard draped in festoon lights. The Big Barn houses a series of long dining trestle tables, a collection of vintage chairs, industrial light fittings and rustic props, all set against white painted tin walls and 100 year old Rimu boards.
Its a instagram-ready backdrop for you to add your own special touches. When the festoon lights come on The Little Barn transforms into a rocking dance floor. Bands and DJs love the Little Barn for its acoustics and intimacy. There’s accommodation on site with a delightful collection of 4 historic forestry cabins. The bridal party or guests can spend the night in the cabins. There’s lots of other accommodation options nearby too. Old Forest School is conveniently located in the heart of the Bay of Plenty. An idyllic, historic, unique wedding venue a pleasant 45 minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane. Come for a visit to discover why Old Forest School is a wedding venue that will capture your heart. Proud to have be featured in… Courtesy of Little Miss Rose FilmsUpon entering Brown & Co it is immediately evident of the tag line for ‘House & Homme’ the store has very masculine feel with navy blue walls, gun metal grey floor, piles of antlers on the floor and an oversized 9 ft. giant angle poise lamp.
The store carries a selection of mid-century and vintage furniture from Christchurch based Mr Mod, a range of interesting vintage and new pieces sourced mainly off shore, including limited edition works by Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Sam Taylor-Wood as well as original 1960’s Nagel modular candle holder from Germany, Marvis toothpaste from Florence Italy, new and vintage science equipment from Australia, not to mention the best selection of vintage and new taxidermy including racoons, foxes, kiwis and other rare species. We offer an ever changing range of selected art, architecture and design books, as well as a selection of local and national artisan food products. We are all about old school retail, no iPod, only records played all day long, all price tags still handwritten, it’s all about the retail experience, giving you time to browse, touch, ask questions, chat, exchange stories, which is why we don’t offer online shopping and also our stock is forever changing…like daily.
This funky 1969 replica cylindrical design is sure to get people talking. Stylish and practical, use one of these as bedside storage or as general storage in the kids' room. The hard plastic construction makes it ideal for bathrooms. Mocka Post Box 3 Be bold and bright with the Mocka Daisy Cabinet. Certainly one energetic storage unit, the Daisy Cabinet fuses practical, retro-inspired design with vibrant colours to create a unit that brighten and revitalises any space. This wooden balance bike is perfect for your little guy or girl. It has all the features of it's big brother but is made with toddlers in mind. A safe and easy way for your little one to develop balance and co-ordination before moving onto a push bike. Suitable from 18 months. Mini Urban Balance Bike Mocka Shadow Boxes will create a standout feature in your home and will give you a place to beautifully display your favourite trinkets and ornaments. Add them to your child’s bedroom for a whimsical look or to the entryway to greet guests with a beautiful display.