Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay in a factory, an old school house, a gardener’s hut, or even an old woolshed, well now you can? That is what is so wonderful about New Zealand’s baches (holiday homes) they come in all shapes and sizes and offer a wonderfully different perspective on your holiday.
All of the properties below have been beautifully renovated and restored to offer a luxurious stay in New Zealand without losing their own individuality or quirkiness that makes each stay so unique.
The Factory at Hapuku, near Kaikoura
This 100 year old dairy factory is our latest find in New Zealand and we are so excited about it. Nestled across the
beachfront at Hapuku just ten minutes north of Kaikoura, this stunning 3 bedroomed self contained wing of the original Factory offers a truly indulgent stay on the South Island’s East Coast. With its dramatic views of snow-covered mountains on one side and the rolling waves of the ocean on the other – this luxurious accommodation, with its stylish, industrial chic interiors mixed with 5 star comforts, is the perfect place for couples or families to explore this marine wonderland. Take a helicopter flight from the grounds and fly for a romantic picnic on top of Mount Fyffe, or wander along the deserted beach front with only a few seals and dolphins for company, or relax in the hot tub and marvel at the views!
Old School Vineyard Cottage, near Nelson
This 1930’s schoolhouse’s former existence may be recognizable from the outside, but the inside has been renovated to create a light and airy space with its open plan kitchen, lounge and dining area, and romantic deck leading out to the panoramic views across the vineyard and out to the Tasman Bay. The Cottage was moved to its current setting nestled amongst the rows of grapevines of Kina Beach Vineyard in 1999 and now offers a lovely vineyard retreat for one couple just half an hour from the stunning Abel Tasman National Park.
The Woolshed, St Leonards Vineyard Cottages, near Blenheim
This spacious 2 bedroom characterful cottage is one of five traditional buildin
gs set within the grounds of the original 1880’s Homestead dating back from when the property was a working farm. Situated in the stunning Cloudy Bay wine region of Blenheim, these five cottages have been lovingly restored to provide private self-contained retreats set within five acres, with stunning views across the vines, but only 10 minutes from Blenheim town centre.
The Woolshed has been totally re-built but is true to its original location and design (you can still see old tally numbers of sheep shorn on the inside of the front door), but now offers a queen bedroom and a twin room, with a large open plan lounge, kitchen, dining area with wood burning stove. A large deck area with BBQ offer views to the north to the Richmond Ranges, and a romantic outside private bath is the perfect place to soak and enjoy the panorama.
Peach Gully, Hawkes Bay
With the long golden sands of Waimarama beach an easy three minute drive by car, Peach Gully offers peace and tranquility close to nature, and views across native bush to the Pacific Ocean.
Built in 1914, as the gardener’s whare (cottage) and part of the outbuildings of the main homestead, the cottage has been tastefully restored to retain the integrity of the era, yet offer its guests the comfort and convenience of a modern home, with its fully self contained kitchen, intimate fireplace, deep claw foot bath with large overhead shower, and queen sized bed with luxurious Egyptian linen.
The wineries which make this region so famous are 20 minutes away, and the Art Deco delights of Napier only 30 minutes – so after a day exploring the region, unwind with a game of tennis or a dip in the heated pool, or just relax on the traditional porch with a glass or two and listen to the sounds of the ocean.
