India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!
India House is a rustic, charming (original 1866) 3 bedroom stand-alone cottage, located in the grounds of the historic Ica Station Homestead at Whareama, close to the beach resort of Riversdale. Situated at the end of a ‘no exit’ road, simply enjoy the peace and quiet of an early settler cottage, steeped in history, in the beautiful countryside setting of Ica Station. Originally built in 1866, today ‘India House’ offers our visitors comfortable, clean, rustic accommodation and a location with interesting early NZ rural character. The cottage is quaint and still enjoys many of its original features. It has 3 small twin bedrooms (with the option for Bedroom 1 to be a King size), a living room, small dining kitchen and inside bathroom with flushing toilet and an outside flushing toilet. With uninterrupted views over a small lake and beautiful countryside, here you can relax, read a book, have a glass of wine and listen to the birds in the peaceful and extremely private setting of this cottage. All our guests have use of a swimming pool and spa pool at the main Homestead during their stay! With Riversdale and Otahome Beaches only 15 mins drive away and Castlepoint Beach 35 mins in the opposite direction, this bach is an ideal base for surfers, fishermen, golfers, couples or groups of friends to explore the East Coast of the Wairarapa!. There's plenty to see and do in the area. Nearby Riversdale and Castlepoint offer superb Golf Courses, a local store for food and basic groceries, Tennis Courts, Swimming, Fishing, Surfing, Walking, Diving and Boating. Or Otahome, where you often have the beach to yourselves. Close by is the village of Tinui that has the oldest ANZAC Memorial Cross you can walk up to (Nov - Apr annually) and the Tinui Cafe & Bar for food and drinks. Here the night sky is perfect for stargazing!
Special conditions: Smoking allowed outside only please. Well behaved dog considered (not always possible) - strictly by arrangement only, cost $15 per night, please say when booking. No bottles, glass or pets allowed in the swimming pool/spa pool area. Please note - there is only limited cellphone coverage at the cottage, but wifi is good!. Extras: Cleaning (NZ$35.00 per stay); Linen (included); Tea/Coffee provisions (included); Continental breakfast provisions (extra charge); Shared use of Swimming Pool and Spa Pool available - short stroll across the lawns.
Check-in is available from 1.30pm and check-out by 10.30am.
We also run the 'Whareama Coastal Walk' a 2 or 3 day fully catered 'Walking Adventure' over private farmland and isolated Wairarapa coastline. See the 'Whareama Coastal Walk' website for more details.
NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean up and do the dishes before you leave.
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Note there is a small lake in front of the cottage
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pets by prior permission only!
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking allowed outside only.
Pets are strictly by approval only - please enquire before booking.
Clean up and leave as found. Please ensure you do your dishes and return all items to their original position.
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
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Mangapakeha
Located in Mangapakeha, this cottage is in a rural area. Castlepoint Rock and Castlepoint Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Otahome Beach and Basil Bodle Reserve. Surfing/body boarding, fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
Riversdale Beach Golf Course - 25 min drive - 26.2 km
Castlepoint Beach - 43 min drive - 47.4 km
Restaurants
Tinui Cafe And Pub - 29 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner! have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!?
As of 7 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner! on 10 May, 2026 start from S$136, 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.
Is India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!?
Check-in begins at 1:30 PM.
What time is check-out at India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner! located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 16 miles (25 km) of Otahome Beach, Basil Bodle Reserve and Riversdale Beach. Karaka Reserve and Riversdale Beach Golf Course are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It was exactly what we needed :)Beautiful tucked away cottage.Carmen and Dick are wonderful hosts. They even had the log burner started for us before we got there.Will definitely come back again :)
Elliot H.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept, 2025
Thank you for you lovely comments Elliot - it was a pleasure to host you guys!
We loved our stay at India House. It’s a cosy little farmhouse with a fireplace and no Wi-Fi or cellphone reception – perfect for a winter getaway. The grounds are great for a stroll, and the hosts were friendly and helpful.
Jules v.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jun, 2025
Thank you for your lovely comments Jules, although we must add there is Wifi and cellphone reception (if you really need it), but you have to leave the cottage and walk into the garden to pick it up!
Lovely property. Cottage has everything you need to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Kitchen well equipped.
The beds are super comfortable.
Great hosts very welcoming and helpful.
A beautiful countryside property. Absolute bonus to be able to use the swimming pool at the main house - especially in the Summer heat. Carmen and Dick were great hosts - offering help with anything we needed. Good to be able to take our dog on holiday with us.
This would be an amazing place to stay if you were tramping or if you have small children. The beds are very comfy, the fireplace works well and the owners are very accommodating. The bathroom has a rudimentary shower only. The kitchen has most things and is workable. Nice setting and relaxing.
karin and Richard S.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr, 2024
It was a pleasure to host you. Sorry you didn't quite get the 'bath' you were expecting, but thank you for taking the time to make a review of our property.
What a place, no cell reception or wifi makes this the perfect place to recharge and relax.
The cottage had everything you could need and would go back without hesitation.
Highly recommend
Tim L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jan, 2023
Thank you for you great review Tim, guests like you are always welcome back!
India Cottage is like a secret get away - surrounded by trees with a view of a pond, it's a beautiful, relaxing setting that feels like the middle of nowhere. But if you feel like doing something it's fairly close to beaches and walks - Castlepoint, Riversdale and for some yummy food and a game of pool head to the pub at Tinui. The cottage is lovely and has everything you need, and we loved the pool. Not much in the way of wifi but even the teenagers admitted it was nice to unplug and hang out. Dick and Carmen are lovely, welcoming hosts.
Gillian H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Feb, 2025
Thank you for your kind comments and review Gillian. It was a pleasure to host your family here. This really is the place to unplug and unwind in - lol!
My daughters (9&12 yrs) and our dog loved our stay. The kids had their own room, bonus! The frogs sang for us (relaxing). The pool and spa a treat. Beaches near by for the girls boogie boards. We stayed 10 nights and did not get bored. Do note no Wifi in the cottage so not a place for a work getaway (phew!) and kids need to be more creative - but very doable!! :-) You can access WIFI on property and bring DVDs. Hosts were fabulous. Thank you Carmen and Dick we really loved our stay. Such a beautiful relaxing spot.
Melanie B.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jan, 2023
Thank you for such a lovely review Melanie - it was a pleasure to have your family stay with us!
Ideal rural retreat for a peaceful getaway with the simple pleasures of yesteryear . Lovely fire and use the spa at the homestead was an added bonus. Picturesque vista and a warm welcome from our hosts . Many thanks for a great weekend break .
Loved our stay, especially moonlit spa and luxury log fire. Fascinating history of India House an added interest. Accommodating our beloved pooch a bonus, thank you to our friendly hosts, Carmen and Dick.
Truly a hidden gem, the owners Dick and Carmen really make this a special place to stay. Plenty of space to roam, loads of privacy, a great poolside setting and access to beaches nearby to mix it up. Perfect
This is a perfect spot for a rural retreat, with easy access to the beach, but all the loveliness of countryside :) Carmen made the whole experience really straight forward, and we had a really comfortable stay.
The cottage was beautifully cosy with comfortable beds, well-stocked kitchen and plenty wood for the fire! Very rural location but easy to get to Masterton. Friendly welcome from Carmen with easy communication prior to our stay. Lovely to make use of the spa pool at the main property also.
Aoife N.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jun, 2021
Thank you for your lovely review Aoife - it was a pleasure to host your group!
Lovely historic property in a sunny, sheltered spot. Lovely outlook. Everything our 2 adult, 4 children group needed packed into 80m2. The spa pool and outdoor pool made the trip for the kids. Visited both Castlepoint and Riversdale from here easily. Better than a beach bach booking for the area as the beaches can be wild. Lovely hosts Carmen and Dick were very welcoming, while still allowing privacy. Limited wifi and cellphone reception encouraged the kids to use their imagination again. Great!
kim A.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May, 2021
Thank you for leaving such a wonderful review. What can we say - limited wifi and cell phone coverage does have it's advantages..... our place is 'off the beaten track' - somewhere to relax and chill out in!
Great spot to relax, our dog loved the pond and the sounds of the frogs was lovely. Spa and swimming pool were a great bonus and we found ourselves in the perfect place to chill out or go explore Castlepoint & Riverside.
Had a lovely stay at the house, beautiful property and it was the perfect place to relax for a few days. Owners were very helpful and accommodating.
Kate M.
About the host
Hosted by Carmen Tredwell
Your hosts are Dick & Carmen Tredwell, originally from the UK, we've spent the past 21 years living in the Wairarapa. We have a beautiful historic homestead which we have turned into a B&B and have two ornate cottages in the 20 acres of grounds around the Homestead - India House being one of these cottages. We welcome you to our 'little piece of paradise!'
What makes this property unique
Beautiful outlook - set in private estate grounds (accommodates up to 6 persons).
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests