Claire at Rowley Estate was THE standout. She truly went above and beyond, and her charming B&B with breakfasts made for royalty was just the best!
Raisa and Tommy…..Cleveland, USA Stayed February 2024 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Claire, we just wanted to say a huge thank you for the most restful and relaxing few days of our trip so far. Thank you for sharing your home and your time with us, we thoroughly enjoyed both your company and your beautiful home.
Julia and Bruce…..Oxford, England Stayed January 2024
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Rowley Homestead was the best place we stayed at during our New Zealand trip….
Michele and Ruhan…. London, UK Stayed February 2023
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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 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 are comfortable which comes in handy after a day’s sightseeing in the Blenheim area.
Visiting Rowley Estate in June meant that evenings and mornings were 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 Estates unique, culturally invigorating and brilliant in every way.
Without any 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….. Texas, USA
Stayed May 2023
With 20 years experience as a private guide travelling through New Zealand with discerning international visitors, I felt a sense of calm when I arrived at Rowley Homestead with clients and met Claire for the first time.
For me, Claire gets it and is playing her part to create an inspired space and base for guests in a region that show cases some of New Zealand’s best cuisine, wine, scenery and experiences.
Rowley Estate has been created from the heart – it is ‘on purpose”, and combined with Claire’s attention to detail and ability to read people, is a place I would always consider when visiting Blenheim, whether for myself personally or recommending to our clients.
Mark Everard, Private Guide Adrenalin Group – New Zealand
Stayed March and July 2023
My husband and I spent a lovely week at Rowley Estate Homestead with friends and family in February of this year. Claire patiently answered my questions in the lead up to the trip and was the perfect host following our arrival. Rowley Homestead is both stylish and comfortable, the perfect base from which to explore the vineyards, but equally comfortable for lazing around on quiet afternoons. We made full use of the barbecue and cooking facilities but also took some of Claire’s suggestions for where to eat out. Delicious breakfast provisions were made available as needed and a wonderful charcuterie platter and sparkling wine was left for our final evening. I highly recommend Rowley Homestead Estate and hope that we can return one day.
M & D, Switzerland
Stayed February 2023
“What was so good about Rowley is partly the calming solidity of the building itself – a classic 1920’s homestead with wrap around verandah and enormous living spaces – but it was also the natural furnishings, original art and little touches like bedside reading, an excellent iPad-driven sound system and the sheltered outdoor eating area. It’s opulence without ostentation; the kind of grand design that works with leggings and a book by the fireplace. or champagne and diamonds in the formal dining room. The brochure promises ‘casual luxury’ and Rowley absolutely delivers.
Kim Knight, NZ Herald journalist, writing for ‘Room Check’
Stayed April 2019