The Courtyards

Interesting facts

The geographical centre of the business, our large sunny courtyard is a great place to eat your lunch, wait for your friends or family to complete the maze and enjoy the natural surroundings.

With 8 large tables in the outdoor area and long bench-style options under cover even the largest group is catered for.

In the centre of the main courtyard used to stand one of the area's largest Monkey Puzzle trees, a native of Chile that loves the cold, hot & dry climates - so grows well in Central Otago! Smaller specimens can be seen on the front lawn and begs the question - how do monkeys climb up these spikey branches? If you pull downwards on the leaves they're actually quite soft!

The long covered courtyard features the MC Escher Gallery, showcasing several of his most famous drawings based on his theme of "impossible worlds". All of these prints are available in our Gift Shop (counter). More on MC Escher can be read in the next text block..........

M.C Escher - a Dutch master

WHO IS M.C ESCHER?

Born on the 17th June 1898 in Leeuwarden (The Netherlands) Martis Cornelius Escher was interested in drawing from an early age.

Because of this interest, he went to school for architecture, which involved both drawing and mathematics. However, he decided he liked art more and studied graphic arts instead.

His career started with book illustrations and landscapes during the 1920s, then after marrying, Escher and his wife Jetta travelled throughout Europe during the 1930's.

During this time, Escher found inspiration for his artwork in the landscapes of Italy and in the decorative Moorish tiles and architecture of Spain.

After settling in Holland with his wife and three sons in 1941, Escher became more and more interested in space, illusion and mathematics.

He studied these subjects and created the work he is best known for, exploring impossible worlds, repeating patterns and reality-bending shapes. These concepts interested him so much that he created artwork on these themes until 1968.

Even after his death in 1972, Escher's work and ideas continue to excite and inspire people all over the world. His artwork can be seen in museums, books, posters, on television and in movies.

"Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. I think it's in my basement...let me go upstairs and check."

-M.C.Escher