The HomesteadNew Zealand, Christchurch, Pigeon Bay

Enjoy the casual elegance of a bygone era. Built in the 1880s, the Homestead has been lovingly restored to create a luxurious five-bedroom home in a private and tranquil setting. Comfortable rooms, shaded verandahs, vast gardens and exclusive use of our outdoor leisure facilities make the house a great place to make your own for relaxation and exploration. You are welcome to roam and explore at will: cut a few flowers from the borders and some salad leaves from the kitchen garden, grab some lemons for your crepes from one of our trees. It’s all yours and yours alone.

The heart of the Homestead is undoubtedly the large kitchen, with its farmhouse table and views out to the lawns and kitchen garden beyond. Fully stocked with delicious breakfast provisions and pantry supplies, plus all the appliances, kitchenware and utensils you might need, you will feel right at home. The kitchen leads through to the warm and spacious drawing room and library, where you can choose to get cosy in front of the fire or enjoy the views through the French doors to the gardens and the bay glinting through the trees. The elegant dining room seats 12 and features original kauri furniture, which has witnessed many lively dinners through the years.

Meander through the fifteen acres of the historic gardens around the homestead and discover an array of fascinating botanical features – the lush atmosphere of the restored Victorian fernery, the dappled shade of the long walk beside the bay, the structural simplicity of the parterre and the exuberance of the kitchen garden.The historic garden has recently been restored to maintain its box hedging, sweeping lawns, dry stone walls and English trees underplanted with daffodils. Additionally, the heritage orcahrd has been resurrected to simultaneously extend native and exotic plantings and developing new areas of interest. We invite you to share in the graceful beauty and tranquility of this special garden and we would be happy to arrange a tour of these heritage gardens. Our state-of-the-art recreation facilities include an outdoor 20-metre heated swimming pool with lighting system, 40-degree spa pool, flood-lit tennis court and top-of-the-line gym equipment including treadmill, weights, exercycle and elliptical, and all-weather changing rooms.

Opposite the homestead is Annandale’s original stables, where the rich aroma of leather and hay that has permeated the aged timbers of the ground floor belies the presence of a spacious two-bedroom luxury loft upstairs. The furniture and decor of this self-contained accommodation complement the history and character of the building, while allowing you to relax in warm and contemporary comfort. Only available to parties staying at Annandale Homestead, The Stables offers a perfect blend of privacy and proximity for up to four guests.