Secret Garden - beautiful, private in the very heart of Russell, Bay of Islands.

I've lived in Russell for over 20 years after a background in science and computing but we also own the art gallery and my wife runs the pharmacy. We now have three very different holiday rentals, all lovely in their own ways and enjoy helping visitors enjoy our magic little town and beautiful Bay of Islands.

Russell has everything - beautiful beaches, safe anchorages, lovely trees and forests, amazing history, great cafes and restaurants, facinating people from all over the world, fishing, boating, tramping, historic places and good services.

The art gallery was originally both business and residence for the artist, Peter Arnold, and remained selling his prints when we bought the business and later the building. To make more exhibition space we rebuilt the accommodation upstairs area adding a new wing and deck area. It was designed by a Swiss architect, Otto Suri, a Dutch engineer, Thijs Drupsteen, and built by an American boatbuildet craftsman, Bruce Black, with a German electrician, Wolfgang Harder. Typical Russell cosmopolitan team! It's a beautiful space, peaceful and overlooking a secret garden in the heart of the town. The perfect place for a couple to enjoy a romantic and relaxing holiday.