Ballarat House is a luxury custom-built lodge which glitters like a 24 carat nugget close to the historic gold mining town of Hokitika - on the ruggedly beautiful West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.
The lodge provides a sanctuary for up to three couples to explore the local wonders along the unhurried coastline. From fishing and snow skiing to visiting exotic rainforests, dining at award-winning restaurants, or getting up close and personal to two ancient glaciers.
About Ballarat House
The purpose-built brick, schist and cedar lodge and extended family home blends naturally with the landscape on the Thompsons' privately owned 800 acre farm near Hokitika. It has been built on Ballarat Hill - so named by the gold miners of the 1860s - and is part of an exquisite subdivision created by the family called Ballarat Rise.
The lodge has been designed to exacting standards and includes a delightful entrance complete with grand piano, a reading room, and access to DVD movies and Sky television. This can be beamed to any of the seven flat screen television sets via a state of the art audio/visual system. Broadband and internet coverage is available.
The formal lounge has picture windows on three sides to take in spectacular views of the farm, the ocean and Mt Cook - New Zealand's highest mountain. Landscaping features natural bush, flax and varied ornamental grass.
The lodge is a sun trap, as are the three separate patio areas available to guests to enjoy a spot of tranquility, the magic of sunrise and panoramic views of natural countryside, sea and sky. Watch the sun drop into the sea at the end of the day and experience the colours of the evening sky in the afterglow, then see the stars brighten the night! Unbelievable glory!
Pretty Woman's Suite
During the gold rush there was a pretty woman living in a nearby valley, actually on the family farm. This West Coast beauty was apparently quite an attraction to the local gold miners, the valley she lived in became known as Pretty Woman's Valley.
This suite, which has all the luxury you would expect - including a large underfloor heated bathroom, spa bath and super king size bed - proudly takes its name from this lovely slice of coaster-history.
Complimentary drinks, nibbles, biscuits, chocolates, fresh fruit and flowers, robes and slippers, electric blankets and quality linen ensure your comfort. A CD and cassette player, TV, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities are all provided. Laundry facilities are available on request.
Wheel of Fortune Suite
This huge suite was named after a massive gold mine also situated on the farm. This mine was originally hand dug and had many tunnels running from it like spokes in a wheel, which was excavated by miners during the gold rush. It is now filled with water and can be fished for trout, or used as a canoeing venue.
The Wheel of Fortune Suite has its own private carport and foyer entrance. The super king size bed rests on a raised platform, there is also a kitchenette, and bathroom with heated floor.
Complimentary drinks, nibbles, biscuits, chocolates, fresh fruit and flowers, robes and slippers, electric blankets and quality linen ensure your comfort. A CD and cassette player, TV, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge and minibar are all provided. Laundry facilities are available on request.
Wheel of Fortune Suite in conjunction with the Stafford Room
Using the Stafford Room together with the Wheel of Fortune Suite allows two couples to share their West Coast experience while allowing each couple to enjoy their own space. Guests using the Stafford Room can either share the Wheel of Fortune Suite bathroom or use a smaller, but beautifully appointed, bathroom of their own.
For more information about this property, click here to view their website
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