Your Hosts.
Katrina and Brenda are the passionate duo behind Casa Nova House, joined by their loyal miniature dachshunds Coco and Louie, and their regal cat, Claudia-Jane Laverick McLarin. Together, they’ve traded city hustle for heritage charm in the heart of Oamaru, New Zealand.
Originally from England, Brenda moved to New Zealand in 2002 and quickly made her mark in hospitality. In 2004, she opened the acclaimed Auckland restaurant Poco Loco, where she served as head chef for over 15 years.
Katrina’s career spans broadcasting, resort development, and international event management. She has worked across New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S., organizing global events for The Leading Woman Entrepreneurs of the World. After returning to New Zealand, she met Brenda—and the two combined their talents to operate Poco Loco before setting their sights on a bold new dream.
That dream became Casa Nova House a stately 1861 Oamaru Stone mansion they discovered on a holiday. In 2019, they relocated to Oamaru and spent two years lovingly restoring it into a luxury bed and breakfast, where they now share their passion for history, hospitality, and heartfelt storytelling with guests from around the world.
Whether you're tuning into their journey on The Last Resort podcast or staying as a guest, you’re in for something special.
The House.
Historic Place Category 1
"Casa Nova represents an outstanding example of mid-Victorian domestic architecture. Built in 1861 by gentleman owner and early run holder, Mark Noble, originally of Leicestershire, Casa Nova is the earliest mansion in Ōamaru to be built of the local limestone and has significant architectural, historic and technological value".
Photo Circa 1880
Built in 1861
"Built at a time when there were no schools or churches and only two hotels in Oamaru, Casa Nova would have been a distinctive landmark outside the town boundary; the grandest permanent dwelling in Oamaru in 1861. Its construction predated any significant permanent material public building..."
Photo Circa 1880
The First Dwelling Mansion in Oamaru
"The name Casa Nova translates from the Italian as ‘new house’, and describes the building as it was, a new house in an area devoid of buildings, in a new settlement in the newest country to be colonised by the English".
Quotes from Heritage New Zealand
Photo Circa 1970s
Get In Touch
P +64 03 437 0708
1 Alt Street, Oamaru North, Oamaru 9400
Casa Nova House is open year-round, subject to availability.
Restaurant 1861 is open for private groups & functions by prior arrangement only.