10/10 Excellent
Janet H.
Jan 25, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Janet H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Entire home
Anama School House Country Retreat
Vacation home in Surrey Hills with kitchen and patio
Photo gallery for Anama School House Country Retreat
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 81506.9 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Surrey Hills, Canterbury Region
- Place, Staveley Historical and Geological Centre18 min drive
- Place, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa35 min drive
- Place, Rakaia Gorge35 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Futon
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
2 Twin Beds
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Anama School House Country Retreat
Come and unwind at the Anama School House – a beautifully restored slice of history nestled in the heart of Mid Canterbury. Originally built in the early 1900s, this former school has been lovingly converted into a warm and welcoming country getaway.
Surrounded by rolling farmland, the Anama School House is perfect for a peaceful retreat or a base to explore the region. Inside, you’ll find cozy, character-filled rooms with vintage touches, a fully equipped kitchen, and plenty of space to relax.
If you want a country get away - this is the perfect spot! With a swimming pool and tennis court to enjoy, you'll have more than just the country air to keep you entertained.
Surrounded by rolling farmland, the Anama School House is perfect for a peaceful retreat or a base to explore the region. Inside, you’ll find cozy, character-filled rooms with vintage touches, a fully equipped kitchen, and plenty of space to relax.
If you want a country get away - this is the perfect spot! With a swimming pool and tennis court to enjoy, you'll have more than just the country air to keep you entertained.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (78 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
I may allow more events, please request in advance
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
We have a dog on the other side of the property.
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Put all used towels in the laundry.
Turn off all heaters, heat pumps and lights.
Lock the key pad on your way out by pressing the 'lock' symbol on the door.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: I may allow more events, please request in advance
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the neighborhood
Surrey Hills
Located in Surrey Hills, this vacation home is in a rural area. Methven Golf Course and Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Peel Forest Park and Awa Awa Rata Reserve. Enjoy the area's slopes with snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.
Surrey Hills, Canterbury Region
What's nearby
- Staveley Historical and Geological Centre - 18 min drive - 21.7 km
- Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa - 35 min drive - 46.6 km
- Rakaia Gorge - 35 min drive - 48.9 km
- Ashburton Domain - 37 min drive - 45.2 km
- Mount Hutt Skifield - 60 min drive - 56.4 km
Restaurants
- Stronechrubie - 10 min drive
- The Udder Dairy - 8 min drive
- Mount Somers Tavern - 10 min drive
- Cafe Mayfield - 8 min drive
- Stronechrubie Country Restaurant & Chalets - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Nicky C.
Oct 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nicky C.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Julie W.
Jan 5, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Julie W.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Gabrielle B.
Jan 20, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gabrielle B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Vanessa S.
Jul 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
July trip
Vanessa S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mason N.
Jun 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Country Getaway
Mason N.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
About the host
Hosted by Deb
Deb, Nick, and their son Austin love welcoming guests to the historic Anama School House. With a passion for hospitality and a deep connection to the local area, they’ve created a peaceful and memorable getaway for families, couples, and adventurers alike. Whether it's sharing local tips, providing thoughtful touches, or simply offering a cosy place to unwind, they take pride in making every stay feel special.
Why they chose this property
We love the Anama area for its quiet and peaceful vibe — it’s surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, which makes it feel like a real escape. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and enjoy the stillness, but you’re still just a short drive away from great walks, cafes, and plenty of things to do. Best of both worlds, really!
What makes this property unique
It's the Anama School House' blend of character, history, and all the little extras that make a stay special. Once a rural school, it’s now a warm, welcoming space with high ceilings, big windows, and loads of charm. Set among beautiful gardens with plenty of space to explore, it also has a swimming pool to cool off in during summer and a tennis court for a bit of fun. Surrounded by peaceful farmland and views of the hills and mountains, it feels like a true escape — but you’re still just a short drive from walks, lakes, and local spots to discover.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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