Hampton House is a stunning Beachfront property with breath-taking views over beautiful Ruby Bay. Relax in luxury, enjoy the sound of the sea, magical sunrises and the close proximity of wonderful amenities and adventures.
Ruby Bay is located at the north end of the South Island, about 30 minutes from Nelson City. Quality restaurants, cafes, vineyards, boutique shops, art galleries and a golf course are close by and it’s just a short drive to the famous Able Tasman National Park – renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and world-famous coastal walking tracks.
Watch the local children jumping off Mapua wharf into the ocean, try your hand at fishing, kayaking, or take the ferry across to Rabbit Island. You can also hire bikes from Mapua and cycle Tasman's Great Taste Trail, which stretches from central Nelson through to Motueka.
The heart of our home is the spacious open plan living area with a double height ceiling, gourmet kitchen and bifold doors opening to a glorious deck where you can enjoy alfresco dining and outdoor entertaining. Step down from the deck, open the gate and stroll down to the sea. It’s peaceful, never crowded and the beach walks are divine. At low tide we often wade through the shallow water and get great mussels for the BBQ.
With 3 bathrooms, 4 double bedrooms and a 10-seater dining table, Hampton House is perfect for family and friends. 3 of the bedrooms have uninterrupted flow to outdoor decks and balconies – perfect for catching the moon rise and city lights across the water.
The Hamptons interior design style – originally inspired by a group of villages called The Hamptons on Long Island, New York – is a blend of elegant and sophisticated design, with a relaxed coastal vibe.
You’ll never want to leave!
Mapua Wharf is about a 5-minute drive from the house and has a range of shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafés and a cycle hire shop. It’s a really cool place to visit and has good local restaurants.
The Apple Shed is great and in a perfect location next to the water.
Jellyfish Restaurant & Bar is also at the wharf and we go there as well.
Golden Bear Brewing Company is a great place to chill out with friends, savor craft brewed beers, listen to live music, admire the view, and enjoy dishes inspired by flavors from California, Mexico and the Southwest of the USA. Especially good on a Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
I mustn’t forget to mention “The Smokehouse“ this is where you can buy delicious fish and chips. World Class.
The wine bar opposite is a good place to go while you wait for the chips or fabulous for a Friday or Saturday night drinks and Pizza.
On your way to Mapua Wharf you pass a few village shops.
Mapua Village Bakery is awesome for Brunch and you will love their gourmet pies and luscious cakes.
There’s also a 4-Square Supermarket which has a good range of food, fresh vegetables and wine at competitive prices.
In the other direction about 15 minutes from the house is Motueka. It’s a small town with a range of everything – shops, two supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. On Sunday morning there is a Motueka Market from 8am – 1pm. I highly recommend the whitebait patties and the merino stall. I have purchased several possum jumpers from the merino stall and they are the best jumpers ever.
In Motueka, Toad Hall is a great daytime Cafe and if you enjoy Thai - Lanna Thai is excellent. The Smoking Barrel is another good one. The latter two are open in the evening.
13 kilometres from Motueka is beautiful Kaiteriteri – famous for its turquoise water and golden sand beach. Kaiteriteri is a launching place for trips into the Abel Tasman National Park and this is where you can connect for a Kayak experience.
John and I did a fabulous day experience.
It included 2 hours of guided kayaking and a boat ride to Anchorage Bay where you can do a short walk to see amazing panoramic views.
I have a very bad ankle and I managed this walk really easily. If some of you don’t want to take a walk there’s plenty of space on the beach to relax
After a walk and perhaps a swim you board the sea shuttle and head back to Kaiteriteri.
Most of our Flagship Vineyards are in the Marlborough area, which from Hampton House is about a 2-hour drive.
I highly recommend Villa Maria, Wither Hills and Clarke Estate which is a smaller family vineyard. We took a large group of friends to these 3 and it was a good cross section and easy to do on a day trip.
There’s Cloudy Bay, Spy Valley, Allan Scott, Lawson Dry Hills and numerous others. They really are all very good.
If you don’t fancy going to Marlborough there are some excellent wineries in the Tasman area.
I recommend Nuedorf Vineyards and Moutere Hills Vineyard both are located in Upper Moutere.
Neudorf is gorgeous, there is no restaurant there but you can get local cheeses, cured meats and a great selection of crackers. You can make your own cheese platter to enjoy in the garden with a glass or two of Neudorf.
138 Neudorf Road, Upper Moutere
At Moutere Hills Vineyard there is also a fabulous restaurant – FORSTERS - with indoor and outdoor seating offering a superb dining experience overlooking the garden and vines. Their food is divine.
42 Eggers Road, Upper Moutere.