Annandale

Hotel review

Prepare to be wowed when staying at Annandale, the sheer size of the 6,000-acre estate, the privacy of the accommodation, the style, the attention to detail - and all of it delivered with panache by an easygoing but dedicated team, for whom nothing is too much trouble.

Annandale offers accommodation in five separate locations so privacy is not a problem:
The Homestead, with 5 bedrooms offered on an exclusive basis or as individual rooms. Originally built as a hotel for early settlers, then turned into a family home. Now it's back to a hotel with swimming pool, tennis court, delightful gardens both flower and kitchen, boat, quad bikes, push bikes, kayaks etc. Stay here if you aren’t quite ready to let go of civilisation.
The Stables - provides a two bedroom loft apartment in the old stables, comfy and modern.
The Shepherd’s Hut, a rustic one bedroom cottage and just so romantic and cosy. Set high up in the middle of the farm with spectacular views out to the Pacific and the Kaikoura Ranges beyond. This is the sort of place where Marie Antoinette dressed as Little Bo Peep might retire in total peace and seclusion. There is even a splendid outdoor cast-iron bathtub with hot and cold running water - stargaze from here to your heart’s content.
Seascape for 2 people, is ultra modern, glass fronted and heavenly. Here the power of Mother Nature is irresistible from the rough hewn walls sunk into the hillside to the immediate and humbling presence of the cliffs and ocean. It is the perfect juxtaposition, luxurious inside and raw outside.
Finally, Scrubby Bay sleeps up to 14 in 3 master bedrooms and a giant bunk room. From the outside this architect-designed one-storey house, a stone's-throw from the beach, looks relatively understated, but the interior and remote location are nothing short of spectacular. Every single design detail and viewpoint has been considered by the well-known architect Andrew Patterson, who is responsible for all the properties. Even the children's bunk room manages to combine fun, functionality and luxury. Want to have a house party? This is the place to come.
The whole essence of Annandale is your privacy whether it is for romance, recharging or a house party. It is your home while you are there and the Annandale team will do everything they can to make it very special. You will leave this place changed for the better.

Hugh Graham-Watson Review published: 25/10/2024