We are husband and wife, Frank Fontein and Ina de Paauw-Fontein, both from Dutch origin. We speak several European languages and are familiar with cultures and customs other than our own. Our Dutch heritage gave us a love for coffee, so come and join us for a cup at breakfast.
Frank has lived in New Zealand since 1973 and currently offers computer support as the Waimate Computer Doctor.
He loves anything on wheels and is licensed to drive most vehicles. Given the chance to try out a special vehicle, he will grab it. From farm machinery and large trucks to a Centurion tank, he has 'been there, done that'.
As a part-time tour bus driver he has traveled New Zealand extensively while with his commercial pilot’s licence he has also flown a lot around New Zealand. He is available for regional guided tours (at a fee).
Ina joined Frank in New Zealand after their marriage in 2010 and is an Independent Celebrant for any official event - be it a happy or sad one.
She has traveled extensively around the globe, loves nature, cultures, all of the arts, singing, languages, reading and more. All but one of the many pictures in the apartment were taken by her.
Ina has styled and decorated the guest apartment, making sure it was fully accessible for people who struggle with their mobility without compromising on luxury.
She bakes her own spiced (not hot!) bread so be sure to ask for Ina's secret recipe bread for breakfast!
We both love cooking and travel the world through our kitchen. We grow a variety of vegetables and take time to keep the weeds out rather than spraying them. We are used to cook for people with dietary needs, be it religious, allergy, life-style or dislike. You are welcome to try our food; we offer a three course meal for $30 p.p.
この宿泊施設のオーナーになった理由
We bought the house in 2014 because it was spacious and - very important to Ina - had walls to put the bookcases against. In true Kiwi fashion we have 'done it up' - Frank did the bulk of it himself - and enjoy living here ever since. The location is great: the end of a no exit street, views on the hills/mountains, large garden and nice, quiet neighbours. We have a large vegetable garden with raised beds and Ina has become a country girls instead of the city slicker from before. In 2020 we have finished the transformation from the garage into a beautiful and very well equipped guest apartment and decided that it would not only be an amenity for our private guests but to use it as a B&B as well. Frank has done a marvelous job, again!
この宿泊施設の特徴
The apartment is luxurious and has its private entrance. It has everything one needs for a short brake. It is very mobility friendly without compromise on luxury. The entrances have ramps, the doors are 86 cm wide to allow for easy access of wheelchairs. The bathroom has a wet-floor, walk-in shower, the toilet is slightly elevated and there are grab rails for safety next to the toilet and in the shower. We have a shower chair available is you need one. We have two comfortable armchairs of which one can be removed to create space for a wheelchair. The rug can be taken out to make life with wheelchair of walker easier. Hard floors throughout allow for easy cleaning. There is a private patio with outdoor furniture and umbrella to enjoy a coffee outside, looking at the all NZ native garden around you (the picture is a Kakabeak flower) Ina's breakfasts are praised for their generosity and quality by all who had it, dietary needs or not.