Lyndon and Jade McNab have been putting the finishing touches to the former Port Molyneux School, which they are opening as a boutique vintage-style wedding and special events venue.
The Owaka farming couple bought the seaside property on the outskirts of Kaka Point in April last year and have been busy renovating and landscaping since then.
The seed for such a venture was sown when English-born Mrs McNab was looking for a venue for her own wedding in 2012.
Instead, they found a "beautiful" location at the Green Park Scout Camp, near their farm, and put up a marquee.Later coming across the old school, which was falling into disrepair, and subsequently buying the property, it all fell into place.
"It does sound like I’m making it up but it’s absolutely true. Everything sorted itself out and happened as it should. It was meant to be," she laughed.
The couple had been out for a drive one day with their children, Archie (5) and Marla, who turns 3 tomorrow.
Only a glimpse of the old school, which closed in 1999, could be seen. It was largely hidden behind a hedge.
They then spied a "for sale" sign.
Thinking it would be ideal for a wedding venue, particularly with its stunning sea views, they talked about it all the way home to their farm, a 20-minute drive inland.The couple also discussed their idea with family, who were supportive, and they decided to buy it.
Then the hard work began.
The school had been empty and exposed to the elements, and it had broken windows, leaks and birds were living in it.
"We wanted to keep it as authentic as possible, just freshen it up," Mrs McNab said.
The two classrooms have been opened up as a reception room and an extension added, while the nearby headmaster’s house has been refurbished for bridal party accommodation.
There is also an outdoor ceremony space.
The first booking has been received for the venue and an open day is being held tomorrow between 1pm and 5pm to allow people to look around.
The couple feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to buy the property and Mrs McNab hopes the local community will get spin-offs from their venture.
"It’s not just about us," she said.
"Everyone’s happy to see it back to what it was. It would have just fallen down ... for them, it was quite sad to see it like that, so we’ve had heaps of support,’’ she said.She had friends with small businesses.
"You can’t just go get a job down the road, because you live out in the middle of nowhere," she said.
Mrs McNab, who grew up in England, has been in New Zealand for about 11 years, initially drawn to the country when her parents moved to Auckland.
She met her future husband when they were both working at a skifield in the Canadian Rockies.
At the end of the ski season, she returned to Auckland and Mr McNab headed back to Owaka.
But deciding they could not be apart, she packed up her car and drove south.
It was a big move from London to Auckland to the Catlins but she found the community "amazing" and supportive.
