In 2018 when I opened the doors to Rowley Homestead my aim was to offer a premium and personalised guest experience in a home away from home country setting.
Initially, the homestead was available for exclusive use /single party bookings, but after the pandemic I was forced to re-think the business model. We now offer individual suites ie Bed and Breakfast for couples traveling to New Zealand on itinerary. I’d resisted this option from the beginning as I had no idea how guests would enjoy sharing the house or the breakfast table but I was encouraged by those in the know and it was an ideal time to experiment with this model.
I made a few adjustments and brought a talented local chef on board for breakfast service and we were away. It was a busy season with a steady flow of overlapping guests who met each other. Over the summer, extended families from New York and California enjoyed the house to themselves while individual couples arrived from around the globe. I’ve met some fabulous guests from all over; the UK, USA, Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand too. This is what hosting is all about. Hugely rewarding.
I’m hands on too with the guest experience. I meet and greet on arrival and am around for breakfast service along with our in house chef. We offer a cheese platter with Marlborough wine on arrival and I’m around for a chat, local information or to book a taxi if guests require it. Discretion and guest privacy is alway a priority too…it’s a balance.
Rowley Homestead suites are booked in advance mainly via private agents …summer and autumn are filling up as I write. We take direct bookings too via the contact page on the website.
I’ve had wonderful guests over the past 5 years. I’d like to share (below) a few lovely words from an American couple who stayed in May ….it was such a pleasure to host Rob and Mary on their 3 day stay:
“As our ferry entered the port of Picton, our immediate observation was that all the stories of how beautiful South Island were not exaggerated. Off to Rowley Estate ever aware that we must drive on the “other” side of the road! Reaching Blenheim we turned onto a country road and thought, “how beautiful and inspiring these trees are”. We realized to our immense delight that this road leading us under an archway of tree branches is none other than the entranceway to Rowley Estate.
And so our adventure began as Claire, our beautiful and effervescent host welcomed us to her home. And what a home it is! This elegant, well appointed home exudes a spirit of comforting warmth, almost like a hug from a friend. Claire showed us around and then offered an amazing platter of various delectables many of which come from her own garden or from friends or local trades. The rooms are amazing and comfortable which comes in handy after a day’s sightseeing around the Blenheim area. Vineyards are close by and easily reached. Walking and cycling trails are literally minutes away. Blenheim is a small town, easily gotten around with friendly folk who were always willing to provide help and directions. Claire knows the area so well that she is a fountain of knowledge no matter your interests.
Visiting Rowley Estate in June means that evenings and mornings are chilly. Though we are early risers, Claire always beat us to the punch in having a cozy fire for us which warmed the breakfast nook not only with heat but with romance. Breakfasts were amazing! The food was different each day, all to offer a South Island/Blenheim flavour which really made our stay at Rowley Estate unique, culturally invigorating and brilliant in every way.
Evening times we would sit at the outside picnic table watching the setting sun while enjoying Blenheim wines and Claire designed snacks. What made it truly special was that we asked Claire to join us which she did. This allowed her to tell wondrous stories of South Island, Blenheim and of her own life’s journey including the recent marriage of her son, Dylan, at Rowley Estates
Without exaggeration, we know the time spent at Rowley Estate was in a word: magical. We promised to return for more wine and food as well as more time with Claire.
Rob and Mary, Tx USA
May 2023
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