Beautiful rural, rustic 4 bedroom home set in rolling hills with tuscanesque views.
Stylishly detailed, French vintage farmhouse Large, light bedrooms. Indoor / outdoor living. Moroccan courtyard with open fire. Large covered all weather deck overlooking verdant hillsides. Lovely walks from the house. Gorgeous grounds with many vintage , upcycled features. Set in the middle of Northland to be able to easily access our great Kauri forests and lakes to the west, and magnificent pristine beaches to the east. Only 2 1/2 hours from Auckland, Enjoy the peace and silence of this paradise hidden away from the chaos of city life, where only the sounds of native birdsong and the wind in the trees break the silence. Enjoy a glass of wine under the stars in the courtyard beside the fire, and retire to dreamy bedrooms with beautiful crisp white linen and super comfy beds. Enjoy a cup of tea and breakfast in the sun on the verandah that opens out from a gorgeous, well-equipped kitchen . There is also a BBQ available on the deck. There’s plenty of space for everyone with large organic gardens , and a few acres of bush for the more adventurous kids to explore. There’s also ample parking. The living area enjoys an open fire for cosy , winter evenings . The house is run off the grid as much as possible, and conservation of resources is always a priority. If you think this is your style, come and enjoy the peace and quiet of uninterrupted solitude, and leave refreshed and recharged. Whangarei is only 20 minutes away, where there are some beautiful waterside restaurants , cafes , markets, and walkways, gardens and waterfalls. Whangarei is the gateway to stunning untouched beaches, native forests and an hour away from the Bay of Islands. We are in the process of building a Hundertwasser centre which will be magnificent when finished. There is so much on offer here in the north, come and explore, you will be glad you did !!
PLEASE NOTE There is NO WIFI , laptops etc can be tethered and /or just use phones with data. Also there are no laundry facilities available , but of course there are laundries in town. Enough wood will be left for a couple of outdoor fires, extra wood can be purchased at $10 a heaped barrowload :) No dishwasher is available.
I have a young fox terrier named Banjo, who will be kept with me during your stay, unless of course you are dog people , in which case he is allowed to come and play when invited ;)
While guests occupy my home, ( my personal belongings are in the house but in cupboards, books and games are available for guests’ enjoyment) , I stay on the property in my tiny house, during longer stays, particularly in warmer months , I will discretely tend to my garden, water and mow lawns when necessary , and will endeavour to time it during your absence so as not to disturb your peace and quiet. Thanks
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Amenities
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Fireplace
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Please leave my home as you found it. Please conserve water at all times.
No extra guests at any time besides those booked.
Thanks
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Only booked guests may be on the property
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Wheki Valley
Wheki Valley is home to this holiday home. Clarke Homestead and Old Library Arts Centre are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Quarry Arts Centre and Hundertwasser Art Centre.
How much does it cost to stay at Peaceful, private, stylish rural retreat.French inspired, light, airy, spacious.?
As of 13 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Peaceful, private, stylish rural retreat.French inspired, light, airy, spacious. on 28 Apr, 2026 start from S$120, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Peaceful, private, stylish rural retreat.French inspired, light, airy, spacious.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Peaceful, private, stylish rural retreat.French inspired, light, airy, spacious.?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Peaceful, private, stylish rural retreat.French inspired, light, airy, spacious.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Peaceful, private, stylish rural retreat.French inspired, light, airy, spacious. located?
Situated in Wheki Valley, this holiday home is within 12 miles (20 km) of Kiwi North: Museum, Native Bird Recovery Centre and Clarke Homestead. Botanica & Cafler Park and Tuatara Gallery are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A comfortable rustic cottage in a stunningly, beautiful location. If you want peace, and to feel at one with the gardens and nature, enjoying birdsong and perhaps an evening fire outside, then this is the perfect place. Tania is a great host and responds immediately to any request or inquiry. Thank you for our wonderful stay
Tez and Chris D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jan, 2026
Thank you Tez , for such a lovely review, I was so happy that my place was perfect for you both.
It was a pleasure meeting you, enjoy the rest of your kiwi holiday and safe travels ,
Kind regards,
Tania
We so enjoyed our stay at Tania'sThe place is just fantastic, quietly immerse in the natureTania is such a great host, she was there for us to help us in every little need we had yet always respectful for our privacythank you Tania!
Corrado C.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan, 2025
Corrado and his family were absolutely my dream guests.
They were totally respectful of my home and left it immaculate.
They went the extra mile .
I would LOVE to host them again .
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Karen
27 Apr, 2025
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Great for a quiet family stay. Beautiful grounds and interesting house. Tania and Banjo were lovely and welcoming. Beds are comfy and it was lovely having breakfast on the deck and playing cards on the outside table. Thank you for a lovely stay
This place was so beautiful and peaceful. Eating outside under shady vines, sitting round the outdoor fire in the evening. And Tania and her dog are very welcoming. A lovely weekend.
Aidan B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May, 2022
Thanks Aidan for your lovely review, and for leaving the place immaculate.
It was a pleasure to meet you and your daughters. Hopefully we’ll meet again.
Take care,
Tania
The house is just beautiful and Tania is such a wonderful host. Best sleep in years. This is the kind of place that reminds you of weekends away at some relatives huge house in the middle of nowhere (yet close to the city) where all you do is relax, read books and play board games. Lunches on the veranda were just stunning and drinking coffee in front of the fireplace on the chilly mornings even more so. Thank you Tania, the stay was amazing!
This delightful home set in a magnificent rambling garden was a joy to relax in for 3 nights. We were welcomed & made very comfortable amongst a life-time of collectable treasures. Sitting by the purpose built outdoor fireplace a great addition. Loved it!
This place is magical. Cozy beyond words and the owner is a very kind, friendly person who has created a place of real charm and with a very relaxing atmosphere and setting. Fireplaces inside and out were a bonus. Banjo the dog is never far away, so make sure you are ok with dogs. For us, Banjo added to the experience as he was very friendly and got along well with our toddler. Would recommend this rental to all.
Jay D.
Verified
8/10 Good
Sarah C.
20 Jan, 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Rustic home-stay
Beautiful old house in stunning gardens, with very comfortable bedrooms and a gorgeous deck to enjoy meals on. However, the house is full of personal belongings, including food in the fridge /freezer, and the house could do with a deep clean and a bit of maintenance (dirty crockery in the cupboards, dirty cushion covers, out-of-order dishwasher, broken toilet seat etc). It wasn’t quite the standard we were expecting for the price we paid.
Sarah C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jan, 2023
Hello Sarah,
Thanks for your review.
No dishwasher is listed in the amenities.
I put 2 brand new toilets in, and one was broken the following weekend by guests staying. How does anyone even break a toilet ?
There are two toilets in the house.
Similarly the cushions for the courtyard which guests are welcome to use, but have to be brought in if it rains as they are not rainproof, unfortunately they weren’t, I found them out in the rain and consequently they have mildew stains, which won’t come out unless bleached, which also takes out the colour.
So yes, some are now stained, but have been washed.
What to do ?
Restrict use for successive guests ?
Re the personal items in my home.
This is mentioned in the listing.
This is my home, and their presence doesn’t restrict my guests in any way.
In fact many guests have commented that they like the fact that my house felt like a home with books, games etc around.
Everything else that is personal is closed away in cupboards.
As I live in the house, I can’t possibly clear absolutely everything from the fridge and freezer every time guests are staying.
I considered having a freezer compartment and 3/4 of the space in the fridge would be adequate for guests during their very short term occupation, no one to date has found this an issue.
If you found dirty crockery, yes, that’s on me, I need to check more thoroughly between guests, that things have been put back clean in the cupboards.
In effect , I am sharing my private home, it is a country house, it is rustic , and isn’t a space no one lives when no guests are here.
Guests know this and still choose to book.
It is cleaned thoroughly between visits.
Most guests enjoy the space , my apologies for your disappointment.
Thanks,
Tania
A beautiful spot in an area that's off the beaten track. Very peaceful surrounded by nature. The beds were very comfortable and the owner very respectful. Self catering with all the pans, plates etc. I would say it's not really appropriate for those who are elderly. They may struggle to get into a shower that's in the bath. Some minor issues with the temperature gage in the shower and the upstairs toilet which I believe is being resolved. Overall a lovely spot, that calms and revitalises.
Ein Paradies auf Erden! Tania war eine tolle und sehr freundliche Gastgeberin, die uns in ihrem Kleinod empfangen hat. Ein wunderbarer Ort zum Entspannen und Entschleunigen, umgeben von einem liebevoll gepflegten, wunderschönen Garten. Fast märchenhaft. Wir kommen bestimmt wieder!
Birgit J.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jan, 2026
Thank you Birgit for such a beautiful review .
I will really look forward to your return
😊
The house and its setting, everything about it, was lovely. It felt like something out of a fairy tale. I thought that the home was surely at least a 100 years old, but Tania informed us that she had built it in the 1980s and had designed it to look like an old style farm home. And there was the landscaping--just gorgeously beautiful. It is obvious that this home and its surroundings are a labor of love for Tania. So glad we found this VRBO.
Lovely charming cottage with feel of yester year. Was lovely sitting under the wisteria having a barbecue, or over in the outside fire having wine and cheese. Had a lovely relaxing weekend
My friends said it was a beautiful property but they were not allowed to use some of the things on the property. They also said it felt like the place needed some cleaning. Overall good stay.
We loved our stay here! Tania was so welcoming - she had prepared the fire rfor us and gave us some great recommendations for restaurants. The outdoor fire was amazing and we also enjoyed playing boardgames by the fire indoors. It can get slightly cold, as it is a large house with wooden floors, so just bring a pair of slippers if you feel the cold. I would definitely recommend this place though! Thanks again Tania for having us :)
Deborah R.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May, 2022
Thanks for your review Deborah, and for leaving the place so clean and tidy 😊
I just thought I should post something to let guests know that while the floors are indeed native wood, the lounge is mostly covered by a large Persian rug, , and most of the upstairs is carpeted, with big rugs in the main bedroom and also heaters in most rooms if guests feel chilly and of course a big open fire in the lounge with wood supplied.
So no need to be cold, we do feel the cold more as we get accustomed to a change in season, when we’re still wearing summer clothes too.
😊😊😊😊
Thank you Tania for letting us stay in your beautiful home. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, the fire was warm and cozy at night. Amazing views from the decks. Had a nice relaxing weekend.
Such a beautiful place to unwind, Roaring fire, inspired decor and beautiful views. See and hear a wide range of native birds in the fantastic gardens.
Really enjoyed our stay! The style of the house and interior are beautiful, and the location is stunning! Beautiful functional kitchen and friendly and helpful host. Can imagine it would be just as good during Summer too! Thanks!
me and my family( 9 people) enjoyed staying at this property. it was peaceful and quiet. good and perfect getaway spot if you want to relax and chill with the sound of birds in the background. the kids enjoyed sitting outside at the fireplace. the house itself is unique. we only met banjo once, such an energetic happy dog. big thanks to Tania for such a warm welcome and letting us to stay at her lovely home.
Taara t.
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2021
Thanks Taara for choosing my place, I really enjoyed meeting you all. Thanks also for looking after the place and leaving it so beautifully clean and tidy.
The chocolates were a lovely and thoughtful surprise.
I hope 2021 treats you all well .
About the host
Hosted by Tania
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests