Viewers stepping inside The Traitors Australia Season 3 will find themselves in one of television’s most spectacular filming locations: Castle Claremont. This grand historic estate in New Zealand, featuring soaring ceilings and detailed timber craftsmanship, provides the perfect backdrop for one of Australia’s most suspenseful reality shows. Among this year’s contestants is Real Housewives of Sydney’s Krissy Marsh, who says the manor was every bit as unforgettable as the game itself.
A sense of history that reaches out
“My first impression when I arrived at the manor was just how grand it was. It was set amongst some of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen, and there was an immediate sense of elegance and history,” Marsh says.
She adds that it wasn’t simply the architecture that made an impression. Surrounded by manicured gardens and towering cypress trees, the property creates a distinct atmosphere.
“More than anything, I felt its soul. You could tell it was a very old building with a rich past… It felt like a place that had witnessed generations of stories before we ever stepped through its doors,” Marsh notes.
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Stepping into another era
From the moment contestants enter, the property feels worlds away from everyday life. Rich timber panelling wraps almost every room, while a dramatic staircase commands the entrance hall. Ornate fireplaces, original joinery and impossibly high ceilings give every space a cinematic quality.
For Marsh, what stood out most wasn’t just the luxury, but the craftsmanship. Every corner of the manor showcases exceptional detail, from carved joinery to beautifully preserved timber floors.
“The grandeur never felt excessive. The architecture had a timeless quality to it. You didn’t feel like you were on a television set; you felt as though you had stepped into another era,” Marsh explains.
The combination of historic wood panelling and soaring ceilings creates a physical weight that makes the deception feel grounded in reality. It is a setting where the stakes feel higher simply because the environment demands a certain solemnity.
More than just a set for the Round Table
While viewers will spend plenty of time watching dramatic banishments around the famous Round Table, Marsh says another room quietly became everyone’s favourite. The elegant lounge, with its carved fireplace, Chesterfield sofas and towering windows, offered contestants a rare chance to relax between filming.
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It was so cold in New Zealand that Marsh became ‘somewhat’ responsible for making sure the fire was always going. That is how a loungeroom becomes a heart of a home, where people gather and share warmth. The combination of historic timber detailing, roaring fire and garden views creates a space that feels both stately and welcoming.
Intimidating shadows and whispers
The Round Table room is housed within the property’s former church, while the wider estate once operated as a convent. Every banishment begins here, and cameras often struggle to capture the full atmosphere. The dramatic chamber creates an intimidating space that feels heavier in person than it does on screen.
If you’ve ever wondered why contestants seem so on edge after dark, it may not be entirely because of the game. Marsh is convinced something else was happening inside the historic estate.
“The house is absolutely spooky after dark. To this day I am convinced there were spirits there, and more than just one,” Marsh says.
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In fact, Marsh recalls unexplained noises echoing through empty rooms long after filming had wrapped. Whether paranormal or simply the creaks and groans of a centuries-old building, the atmosphere only heightened the psychological pressure of the competition.
Connected to the setting
Built in the Victorian Gothic style, the manor’s striking stone façade, wraparound verandahs and heritage detailing make it one of New Zealand’s most impressive historic homes. Large windows frame greenery from almost every room, creating a feeling of openness despite the manor’s impressive scale.
“No matter where you were in the house, you felt connected to the gardens, the setting and the natural beauty that surrounded the property,” Marsh says.
Although the series creates the illusion of a secluded European estate, the filming takes place at Castle Claremont, a spectacular heritage property in Christchurch, New Zealand. Other contestants joining Marsh on season 3 include Dicko from Australian Idol, Tully from Big Brother Australia, Luke from The Block, and Henry from Australian Survivor, hosted by Gretel Killeen.
