Saint Andrews Church Waitarere Beach

Saint Andrews Church Waitarere Beach

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Do not be misled by the unassuming exterior of this charming place. It should not be passed over. It does  not purport to be glamorous, outstanding, or even all that flash. On the other hand, it does have many other qualities. It is simple, liveable, comfortable, and suitable for anything from a couple to a gathering. It is spacious and relaxed. It has a wood-burner and a well equipped kitchen., -  heaven forbid it even has a coffee machine. So many far more expensive accommodations forget even to provide a plunger!

Inserted into the old Watiarere Roman Catholic church, all those church-like features have been maintained y this bach. The stained glass windows are quite stunning. The confessional is a toilet. Strange little boxes on the wall clearly come from life as a church - although to who knows what purpose they were once used. The organ is now in the upstairs bedroom. Maybe this still works but if so, those of us who are organ-illiterate might benefit from an instruction sheet.

Provision of a pool table-cum- table tennis table is a real bonus. Wet days have been dealt with! Finer days lead straight to the glorious Waitarere Beach which stretches out  infinitely in the distance. What a beach!

I liked this unpretentious spot, - ripped baize on the pool table notwithstanding. Saint Andrews is certainly a great place to stay.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Hidden Valley Lodge, Lake Poerua

 Hidden Valley Lodge - West Coast

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

This is a great place to be. An old church dragged to its resting place on the edge of Westland bush, looking out over a small lake and a green valley. What a place. So many thing to enjoy.  What I really appreciated first of all, was the way they had kept this church as a church! The long wooden table with its candelabra was charming, made even better by the use of pews as seating.   A piano was there for use,  - and a church organ! The double height space of the main lounge was grand and impressive, yet also made welcoming by the pot belly stove waitng ready ready for use with wood and coal provided. Upstairs not one, not two  but three bedrooms  if you count the amazing little hole-in-the-wall bedroom. I was so tempted to forego the everyday double bed and sleep in the hole in the wall...

Poerua Lake is a pretty lake. I was blessed with fog - nothing better than swirling fog for a little added mystery and drama in the scenery.
The church sits on the edge of a green lawn and on that lawn friendly wekas stroll happily. I suspect they are used to being fed they were so friendly.
.

The Hidden Valley retreat boasted a hot water tub  - and my mistake, I found instead the bush bath tucked in amongst native bush, looking a trifle unused and unloved. It was not until the next morning that I finally discovered the real hot tub, a beautiful wooden tub on the edge of a stream, with ample cut wood available to heat this. But no time by then. Such a shame.

Hidden Valley Lodge is a real find. A special place.  An isolated retreat. Where else will you find gumboots provided and fly fishing advice on the wall? Try it. You will love it. Remember to start the fire early to heat the hot tub.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/