Birdsong Retreat - Spacious Old Farmhouse with Rustic Charm | Other in Puketapu

The peaceful, airy old farmhouse at Birdsong Retreat, amidst tall trees and hills, is a lovely haven, rain or shine. light breezes, great indoor/outdoor flow & high studs cool it, lawns & carpet are great for bare feet and yoga. Books, Antarctic bird-research photos & art add to the leisure/creativity spaces. Meals can be enjoyed inside, in courtyard or on the long verandah on fine days. Some villa features and furniture enhance its character & this low-tech old home has been appreciated by many.

The space
Raised a little among a wonderful international community of trees, with small lawns and gardens around the house, much here is rather wild and provides habitats for many birds, other pollinators and a range of fungi and wild edibles for us, while encouraging biodiversity. Bring suitable footwear, if you'd like to explore the small elm forest, taking care not to stand on new young trees, or walk up the neighbour's hill to view the valley and a glimpse of the sea.
The simple, pre-loved furnishings, in colours to suit the rooms, provide for comfort and most needs and are attractive, while reflecting our efforts to reduce 'consumerism' and increase supporting nature. I'm gradually improving house-hold items but not all furnishings and appliances look or work quite like new ones, yet.
Those who like windows open at night, for coolness, are advised to bring insect repellant or mosquito nets.

Guest access
The concrete roundabout, providing plenty of parking space, leads to a concrete courtyard with small porch. Once the back of the 100 year old house, now a sunny spot to enjoy breakfast and watch the Welcome swallows swoop in and out of the woodshed. One vehicle is welcome to drive into the courtyard if it's raining.
The front door (up two steps) leads into a small hall for shoes and coats, then into the kitchen-dining room, with oval dining table, fridge/freezer, and 2 drawer dishwasher. The large, carpeted lounge has 3 sofas and a desk in front of the windows. An old wood burner can heat the rooms when it's cold.

French doors lead from the kitchen to a sunny living room with a good table for computer or writing work, cane furniture and a divan for relaxing or healing work. Many people have noticed a healing atmosphere here.
The living room also has French doors to the front courtyard and leads to the spacious sunny main guest bedroom, with antique dresser and wardrobe.

The first door down the large hall opens to the bathroom, with high stud and wooden floors, toilet and shower (unfortunately the bath cannot be used at present).

Further down the hall are the 'periwinkle blue' bedroom, beside the bathroom, with a single bed and east-facing windows, across from the 'spring green' bedroom with a queen-sized bed, light-blocking curtains and built-in wardrobe.
On the other side of that room is the spacious, carpeted 'old master bedroom' with inbuilt furniture including large drawers and cupboards (one cupboard and long mirror in it is available for use) a firm queen-bed and door out to the long verandah.
Guests are welcome to use this west-facing verandah, (accessed by the lounge and old master bedroom), and the lawn there, and the back lawn and washing line.

The store-room and my bedroom at the southern end of the house are private, not available, spaces and the small east-facing verandah is reserved for our lovely, shy cat Caspian, who catches rats for us and the neighbouring farms (no other cats allowed here please). A neighbour will come daily to feed him on this verandah.

Other things to note
We use eco-friendly cleaning products here, which I will provide; insect repellent is advised for mosquitoes.
Water is rainwater from the roof and we have a coarse substances filter at the tank and one for fine and microscopic elements at the kitchen sink.
There are areas of seeding grasses here so it may not suit people who suffer badly from hay fever.
As I am away during this time, my daughter will be available if any assistance is required.
Please note, while the driveway can be used by standard vehicles, due to recent heavy rain the driveway is somewhat rutted in places, we are waiting on a grader to fix this, please drive carefully to avoid these.

This 4 Bedrooms Other provides accommodation with Laundry, for your convenience. This Other features many amenities for guests who want to stay for a few days, a weekend or probably a longer vacation with family, friends or group. The rental Other has 4 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom to make you feel right at home.

Check to see if this Other has the amenities you need and a location that makes this a great choice to stay in Puketapu. Enjoy your stay in Puketapu at this Other.