<![CDATA[KARAMANA HOMESTEAD EST. 1872 - Blog]]>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:01:16 +1300Weebly<![CDATA[Baking Adventures in the Off-Season]]>Sun, 11 Aug 2024 21:38:16 GMThttps://www.karamanahomestead.com/blog/baking-adventures-in-the-off-season​A Taste of What's to Come at Karamana Homestead
When the off-season settles in at our historic Coromandel bed and breakfast, I find myself diving into one of my favorite pastimes — baking. This time of year, whether it’s winter in New Zealand or summer during my travels to Canada, is all about experimenting with fresh, seasonal ingredients and perfecting new recipes that I can’t wait to share with our guests.
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A Sweet Classic: Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
One of the highlights this season has been perfecting the art
of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Using the freshest strawberries from local West Kelowna/Peachland markets and rich, velvety chocolate (dark, milk and white), these treats are both indulgent and simple. They’ve quickly become a favourite with the neighbours and I’m excited to introduce them to our friends and whanau at home, as well as guests when they visit. 
Pavlova Perfection: Raspberries or Blackberry and Basil
No trip to our New Zealand bed and breakfast would be complete without a taste of pavlova— a dessert that’s as light and airy as a Coromandel summer breeze. This off-season, I’ve experimented with two variations: one snuggling with vibrant raspberries, and another topped with a unique mix of blackberries and basil. These flavours not only reflect the fresh produce but also bring a refreshing twist to a classic New Zealand dessert. I am an Caniwi afterall! (Ignore the plating of the raspberry one...it disappeared too quickly for a proper photo op.) 
Scones with a Twist: made fresh at our B&B
Scones are a beloved staple at our Victoria homestead B&B, and while our cheese scone is always a guest favourite, it’s exciting to introduce some new flavours for our visitors to enjoy:
  • Raspberry & White Chocolate Scones: Fresh raspberries and creamy white chocolate create a balance of tart and sweet that’s hard to resist.
  • Earl Grey Scones with Lemon Drizzle: Infused with the comforting aroma of Earl Grey tea and topped with a zesty lemon drizzle, these scones are perfect for an afternoon treat.
  • Blackberry & Cardamom Scones: The warm spice of cardamom paired with juicy blackberries makes these scones both cozy and exotic.
These new scone varieties offer a delightful twist on tradition, providing our guests with fresh favourites to enjoy alongside our classic cheese scone.
Inspired by the Seasons: Fresh Flavours for Your Stay
​Being in Canada during the off-season offers me the opportunity to explore local markets and discover new flavours that I can bring back to Coromandel (not literally of course, I don't want any issues getting back into New Zealand!). The abundance of fresh, seasonal fruits has inspired many of the recipes I’ve tried this year. Practicing my baking in Canada helps me prepare for the vibrant New Zealand fruit season when I’m back. 

Plan Your Stay at Our Coromandel Bed and Breakfast
​Whether you’re a returning guest or planning your first visit, there’s always something new and delicious waiting for you at Karamana Homestead. From freshly baked scones to indulgent desserts, our seasonal creations are just one of the many reasons to book your stay with us.
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Want to experience these seasonal treats firsthand? Book your stay at Karamana Homestead today, and indulge in the best of both New Zealand (and Canadian inspired) flavours!
]]><![CDATA[A little bit of our history...and her​story]]>Fri, 15 Dec 2023 01:09:00 GMThttps://www.karamanahomestead.com/blog/a-little-bit-of-our-historyand-herstoryPicture
Karamana Homestead was built in 1872 by Sir Alfred Jerome Cadman.  Sir Alfred was born in Sydney, Australia, on June 17, 1847, the son of Jerome Cadman, a cabinet-maker, and his wife, Ann Hildyard. The family came to Auckland, New Zealand, in 1848.

Lady Francis “Fannie” Cadman (Bell) was born in Aylesbury, England, on March 30, 1857. She came to New Zealand at approximately 9 years of age, with her parents, on the ship King of Italy. Sir Alfred married Fannie Bell at Whangarei in 1886; they had a daughter and two sons before Fannie’s early death in 1892. 

Francis loved her roses and had a beautifully established collection outside her bedroom, some of which are still blooming today.

Sir Alfred entered politics in 1877 and was elected into Parliament to represent Coromandel in both the 1884 and 1887 elections. In 1893 he became the Minister of Mines, then appointed Minister of Railways in 1895.

Because gold miners and timber workers were the dominant working groups in the Coromandel, he had sympathy for labour reform. In 1886 he supported the movement for an eight-hour working day and the extension of the franchise to women. In 1897 Cadman toured the Kapanga Mine with his private secretary [and nephew] Alfred Hildyard Gatland, and he escorted 4-5 young women [four were his nieces] down some 300 metres into the bowels of the mine, lowered in a cage – unheard of for women in 1897.

In 1899 Cadman’s health, never robust, deteriorated. He was appointed a CMG in 1901 and KCMG [knight] in 1903. In 1902, he travelled back to England with his 15-year-old daughter to attend the coronation of Edward V11 by invitation. In July 1904 he was elected Speaker of the Legislative Council. He died in Auckland on 23 March 1905.
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His funeral was held at his beloved Coromandel. Ships brought many mourners across from Auckland. His coffin was carried up to Buffalo Cemetery. He was interred with full Masonic Ceremony; hats and white gloves were obligatory wear. It was probably the biggest turnout of mourners ever seen in Coromandel.

Want to read a bit more? Check out these other articles:
History of Karamana Homestead 
Biography: Alfred Jerome Cadman
Genealogy: Fannie Cadman
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Lady Francis "Fannie" Cadman (Bell)
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Sir Alfred Jerome Cadman
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