From Horse Paddock to a Village of Ideas: The Story of IN8 DESiGN HUB
Some places are built simply to accommodate people. Others are created to inspire them.
In the small township of Lumsden, Northern Southland, there’s a collection of unusual buildings that began with something remarkably ordinary. An empty horse paddock. Long grass. Run-down fences. An old grain-crushing machine.
And a vision for what might be possible.
Today, that place is known as IN8 DESiGN HUB — a rustic rural retreat, creative gathering place and home for people seeking adventure, connection and fresh ideas.
A Place With History
The site has roots stretching back to the late nineteenth century, when Lumsden was known as Elbow.
Over time, this quiet piece of Northern Southland land became the starting point for an idea.
What if we could create a place where people could escape the pressure of their everyday lives?
Somewhere they could gather, think, experiment, rest and develop ideas?
Not a conventional hotel. Not an ordinary conference venue.
Something with character, purpose and possibility.
Built by Hand, One Idea at a Time
The first building was established in 2013.
From there, the DESiGN HUB gradually grew into a small collection of individual spaces, brought to life through resourcefulness, creativity and the contributions of friends and local people.
Repurposed building materials, timber, salvaged windows, colourful interiors and individually designed spaces became part of its personality.
Rather than making every building look the same, each was given its own character.
The result is a place that’s intentionally a little different.
Warm, comfortable, rustic, personal and full of stories.
Where People Come Together
At the centre of IN8 is a shared gathering space where guests can cook, eat, talk, work and relax together.
Surrounding it are individual accommodation spaces, each offering its own atmosphere and a degree of separation from the main communal area.
The retreat welcomes groups of up to 15 overnight guests and gatherings of up to 20 people.
Visitors come for different reasons.
Some want a base for exploring Southern New Zealand. Others want time with friends or family. Some bring their teams together to plan new ideas, run workshops or develop a shared vision.
And others simply want somewhere peaceful and interesting to stay.
A Place to Imagine What’s Possible
The name DESiGN HUB reflects something important about the property.
It’s not just about buildings.
It’s about the idea that people can design their futures, develop their gifts, create meaningful projects and make a difference in the world around them.
Sometimes that begins with a conversation.
Sometimes with a walk, a bike ride or a weekend away from the usual routine.
Sometimes with a group gathering around a table and asking a question nobody has asked before.
What could we create?
What could we change?
What’s possible next?
Come and Experience It for Yourself
IN8 isn’t a polished imitation of a traditional resort.
It’s a place built with imagination, practical effort and a belief in the potential of people.
Come for a night, a group getaway, a retreat or an adventure.
Discover a different kind of Southern New Zealand hospitality.
And perhaps leave with a new idea of your own.
IN8 DESiGN HUB — Big Ideas. Wide Open Spaces.
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