Discover the magic of The Rusty Acre
Just a short drive north of Christchurch in Mandeville, The Rusty Acre offers a whimsical escape blending art, nature, and retail therapy.
Home to sculptor Allan O’Loughlin and his partner Andrea, this two-acre paradise has evolved from a bare paddock into an enchanting outdoor gallery featuring over 70 handcrafted steel sculptures scattered throughout tranquil garden rooms.
Visitors can wander past quiet ponds, orchards, and vibrant plantings of rhododendrons and roses lovingly tended by Andrea and Allan, before exploring Andrea’s French-inspired, boutique gift shop. The treasure trove offers restyled furniture, scarves, and jewellery, with new pieces added following Andrea’s recent overseas buying trip.
Other new additions are also on the horizon to enhance The Rusty Acre visitor experience. “Mandeville Village bakehouse will soon be on-site, and we are going to run a coffee cart in the orchard, which is free to visit and makes for the perfect rest stop after a visit to the shop,” says Andrea.
Whether relaxing under a steel candelabra with a picnic or browsing the workshop where Allan creates his latest pieces, guests will find a tranquil retreat worth visiting again and again.
Visit The Rusty Acre, Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm (October to April), 1 Roscrea Place with entry off McHughs Road, Mandeville. Call 021 146 6426 or email therustyacre@gmail.com.
