The Rusty Udder
Each Little Pub is created to represent its owner and the story they want to share. The Rusty Udder is the epitome of that, a custom Little Pub that blends seamlessly into and completes this lifestyle property perfectly.
Helen & Rob came to My Little Pub in the middle of last year, exploring what a custom Little Pub could look like on their unique lifestyle property. They shared fantastic photos and described a place filled with hidden pockets and unexpected corners. From the outset, what excited us most was the sense of discovery and surprise, a concept we could certainly have some fun with in a Little Pub.
What started as a rustic farming theme soon began to evolve into a highly detailed concept. Something that would mirror the black board-and-batten exterior of the cowshed, carry through the backlit corten signage featured across the property, and bring a recycled, story-rich feel to the interior. Steel bar tops, cowhides, and cleverly disguised shutters all came together, and a truly unique Little Pub began to take shape.
The Rusty Udder is a 5.4m Little Pub. The interior combines an L-shaped bar from the Little Irish with the back bar design from The Little Inn, while the seating area maximises lounging comfort with a full, deep-buttoned leather bench seat.
Rob & Helen opted for custom window placement to best capitalise on their surroundings. They also included a feature Muros stone wall, tying it through to the fireplace backing and finishing it with a mirror above the mantel. The cowhides selected, a Highlander and a salt-and-pepper, create a striking contrast and a real statement in the bar stools.
This interior has the bones of a Gold model, incorporating both Platinum and Diamond upgrades. It’s a beautifully simple layout that doesn’t compromise on luxury or comfort.
On the exterior, the shutters are designed to fully close, giving the Little Pub a subtle, unassuming frontage. It adds a layer of surprise and quiet mystery that plays perfectly into the character of the property.
Step inside this beautiful Little Pub.
It was fantastic working with Helen & Rob. They were incredibly passionate about creating something special that truly added value to their property.
The thoughtful details and ideas make it unmistakably their own, from every colour and material choice through to the window placement, fabrics, photos, and personally collected memorabilia. There isn’t an inch that hasn’t been lovingly considered by these thoughtful owners.
What makes it all the more special are the stories told through the photos inside, capturing family and property history, and, of course, creating the perfect home for it within their landscape.
Here is a delightful recount of The Rusty Udder journey from Helen & Rob themselves:
“Rob was listening to the National Program on his way to work and heard about a real estate property listing in Christchurch that had its only Little Pub. Intrigued he looked it up as soon as he could. He forwarded me the listing, no need to twist my arm, so I was right onto it. The rest is history.
Our 15 acre landscaped property is quite quirky with lots of hidden areas and surprises, we have functions and garden tours, so it just felt like a fantastic addition and it sort of completes the property.
Although I like the Irish/English pubs we just didn’t feel one would suit our property, we weren’t 100% sure where on the property we would put it. Independently Rob and I came up with the same spot we thought it should go. About 25 years ago a large farm was subdivided our subdivision has the original cowshed. We have built a “cowshed cottage” which the original herringbone area (with pit filled in) and yards with all the railings are part of. As the rotary yard is there we decided that was the place to put it. We created its own little area with in the circular railings so it felt part of the yards instead of just being put there. Then of course we came up with the name “The Rusty Udder” as a play on the milking shed.
We decided we didn’t want it to look like a pub, partially for security reasons (as we are rural), also for a bit of fun to surprise guests and to tie in with the Cowshed Cottage design. Hence the shutters, barn door, minimal signage and the rustic look. We also wanted to continue the theme inside the pub. So again a more rustic look with a steel bar top and foot rest and sign. We also chose the timber to be rough sawn. Some of the photos are of the original property when we purchased it 10 years ago, the difference is extreme so a great talking point. Other photos are of family members doing various activities on the farm and of Rob’s grandparents farm in South Africa. This intertwined with My Little Pubs milking shed type posters, the cowhide stools and farming theme memorabilia which makes this for a really fun and unique Little Pub.
We had such an amazing experience creating The Rusty Udder. Right from the get go we were looked after like we were really good friends but also in a very professional way. It was a great collaboration between our ideas and the teams expertise to create something that was in our minds. The process was 100% fun, exciting and so smooth. We did a visit to the factory to pick our materials, fabric and to meet the team. Definitely worth the trip.
We had a corporate function booked in where we knew The Rusty Udder would make a huge difference. The completion timing was extremely tight and the delivery date was the day before the function. Everyone pulled out all the stops to make it happen and we couldn’t have been more appreciative for all their efforts. Seeing it arrive on our property was such a relief, having it insitu was even more of a relief as our concrete pad was made especially. Then having Matt work so hard on site to get everything done was amazing.
We have also added our own outdoor touch to it with wine barrels of flowers, stairs down to trees with seating and wine barrels as bar leaners. Everything ties in perfectly.
Needless to say the function the next day was incredible and just seeing the reactions of everyone as they walked in was amazing. We have had The Rusty Udder for just 3 months, we still pinch ourselves to think that we own one and love seeing the pleasure it gives to our guests and of course us.
Would we recommend one………Absolutely.”
Cheers to Helen & Rob, and to the many happy memories that await inside The Rusty Udder.
Looking to create something just as special for your own home? We’d love to hear from you.
Helen also hosts tours of their South Auckland property, including The Rusty Udder. If you're interested in visiting you can book here: https://secretgardens.co.nz/garden/the-birds/