Akaroa accommodation set amongst Cottage Gardens in the beautiful quiet Banks Peninsula town. A romantic country bed and breakfast just minutes from Akaroa.
Apart from the bathrooms and breakfast rooms that are attached to the house, guests have the seclusion of their own space in tiny romantic huts. In fine weather afternoon teas and breakfasts are served on the deep verandahs. Fires are set in the cosy but tasteful breakfast rooms on chilly days.
It is also highly recommended in the Lonely Planet Guide as a genuine quirky NZ experience, unpretentious with a great cafe.
The picturesque setting of the house and landscape where everything happens beside the stream has a reputation for its exclusive back to nature luxury rustic retreats for lovers. They are also tempted into its wild gardens with meadow flowers and Tree Crop Farm is famed for it's coffees and juices. For those who love the English "Gardens Illustrated" and "Interiors" magazines there are stacks of back issues as well as National Geographic going back to the 1920's. There are also walk tracks up through the bush, forest and open pastures.
It is also famous for its fun quotes on the rafters - the latest one is "definition of a great marriage...He gives, She takes". These quotes have become a feature of the property and a book has now been published entitled "The Writing is on The Wall" - a pick of the best quotes from the rafters and walls.
Tree Crop Farm specialises in retreats for lovers. It's the perfect place only an hour from Christchurch for couples who like to walk in the hills, lounge in hammocks snooze in the sun, take a slow walk in the evening sun and then soak in a hot tub with a fire underneath. A glass of great wine in hand and stars above and the promise of a sleep in next morning's paradise.
Why is Tree Crop Farm So Special? Tree Crop Farm is the only Bed and Breakfast Retreat in New Zealand that encourages guests to sleep in until midday and then have brunch on the verandah or by the fire. For those who crave total seclusion mid week is best.
The furnishings are "olde worlde" or as the Auckland guests say "shabby chic!" It's the mix of colonial antiques nestled amongst the sheepskins and fur rugs, tent bags, kelims, herbs and flowers.
Much use is made of fragrant oils, fresh herbs and lavender bath foam. The gardens reflect a passion for globe artichokes, lavender, salad greens, lilies, dahlias, basil, garlic and old roses.
There are now 200 young olives taking root on the hillside above the house and a tiny 26 vine chardonnay vineyard's - sadly no harvest yet ! A copse of chestnut trees in the walnut grove are now fruiting well as are the hazel nuts. The slowly establishing old fashioned roses are at their best in November and December and the wild flowers go through to January.
All the food and drinks are heavily decorated with fresh flowers and herbs for the teas are picked as needed. Tree Crop Farm is famed for big fluffy lattes, cute cappuccinos and hot berry juices with fresh fruits, lemon verbena and rosemary.
The original historic Tree Crop Farm cottage dwelling with its wattle and daub walls (clay, mud and horsehair over a light timber frame) is heated with four open fires in winter if needed, and the interiors are reminiscent of the "Lord of the Rings" film sets. The film crews staying as house guests during the South Island filming claimed that Tree Crop Farm could easily be set in "The Shire" in "Middle Earth!"
Accommodation
Verandah Hut with its charming shutters all round and sunny brass day bed with lots of sheep skins. It has electricity, and a toilet shower and hand basin en suite. There is a cassette stereo and electric blanket with a kettle for plunge coffee or hot chocolate.
For those who like to be close to their car and their outside bath, to have an open fire as well as candles with back up electricity, this is the one to choose. It also has a new gazebo area with BBQ, table & chairs.
The Bedouin Creek Hut is right beside the charming water cress and mint filled stream with a little verandah for putting your feet up on and having supper in the lantern light. A Norwegian wood stove fire keeps this hut toasty and you can still see the flames from the fire in your bed. The sound of the rushing stream fills your ears at night. No electricity, but lots of candles and a very private bath area. Your car can be parked behind the hut, and private herb filled modern bathroom 30 yards away back at house.There is also a modern cassette caravan/ marine toilet near the bath area with a view onto the creek for night or day use.
BBQ facilities are provided, the outside bush bath is by the river, this hut is the staff favourite.
The Lost Weekend Hut is the largest of the three with two rooms. It has an open fire and a gas ring for making hot drinks or heating up a pot of soup. In this hut it is so quiet you can hear your own hearts beating at night and the dawn chorus is like liquid honey in the ears. Lots of candles , a great brass bed and even rafters to swing on ! There is a modern cassette caravan/ marine toilet tucked in the bush looking over the river for night/day use.
For those who like to wear no clothes.. this is the place to choose - It is completely private. This hut is 100 yards from your car and also from the modern private bathroom, but despite this it's a favourite with the honeymooners or couples getting back together after an overseas trip and expecting a bit of jet lag.
The TreeHouseHut in the trees is a small hexagonal delight decorated in red, purple & maroon with a deck facing the afternoon sun overlooking the river, garden & bush.
There is a caravan/ marine toilet on the deck for night/ day use. It also has it's own bathroom back at the house. There is a tiny wood-burning stove for ambiance and making hot drinks.
This site has electricity, stereo and DVD with lots of candles, flowers, herbs and lovely antiques. There is a BBQ facility below the hut, this hut is a favourite of many, who claim it has a certain elegance, but this is for you to decide ! There is a skylight over the bed for stargazing.
For more information about this property, click here to view their website
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