Ohariu Farm Cottage
Pippy McCurdy:http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/
To the west of Wellington, just before you reach Cook Strait is Ohariu Valley. Quite rural, quite isolated, yet only ten minutes from a large-ish suburb, Ohariu Valley is a world away from city life. A night spent at Ohariu Farm Cottage is a great break from city living.
The cottage is beautifully appointed, and so welcoming. The table is set for two. The kitchen is fully equipped. The tv and sound system are modern. The overall effect might be of a country cottage but a luxurious country cottage, - more like the manor house itself, than the servant's quarters.
The cottage is simple but pretty from the front. At the back it is the sweepingly lush lawn which is really appealing, especially in the way the trees and bushes are planted around it to create a private sheltered space.
It was nice to have breakfast provisions supplied and to have chocolates on the pillow; - always a nice touch! The kitchen was well stocked and there was plenty of heating. The shower and bathroom were spotless - but who needs a shower when the piece de resistance is waiting out on the lawn ....
The fire bath was of course the real appeal. Not being a dab hand at fire making it was especially pleasant to find that the fire was set ready to go, and fire starters were provided! I have had my share of failures in heating the water in a fire bath. Not this time. My fire was still working well by the time the wine had diminished (evaporation?) and darkness had fallen.
I particularly liked the sound of the wind up in the treetops, even though the corner of the grounds where the fire-bath sat remained quite sheltered. The candles didn't even blow out!
Ohariu Cottage is a nice spot. Well worth a visit.
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/
