Sometimes we all need to unplug in order to recharge, to escape the big smoke for a taste of country air and experience luxurious pampering or off-the-grid solitude and quiet. Our quest was to find three very different accommodation experiences, close to Tauranga, that offered loads of ‘me time’, where we could kick back and relax. The French Country House review is the first in series!
Images: Alex Spodyneiko
LUXURIOUS CHARM OF THE FRENCH COUNTRY HOUSE
Nestled in the farmlands of Pahoia, 25 minutes north of Tauranga, is a luxurious tranquil oasis that offers weekend escapes or romantic getaways and is often chosen by bridal couples for their honeymoon.
We arrive at the French Country House just as the Bay of Plenty drought ends but the rain is soon forgotten as Kay, with fur baby Freddie, welcomes us into the fabulous chateau.
A tour around the house reveals three guest bedrooms, each with its own charm, an evening lounge area, a day room that leads onto the breakfast room, an expansive dining room and gorgeous kitchen with butler’s pantry. Luxury antique furnishings and fittings complement the comfortable modern facilities. There’s also a library nestled atop a spiral staircase that calls out for further investigation. Lovely old books sit across from newer reads and comfortable leather couches and chairs beckon me for a few hours of book time.
A verandah leads out from the downstairs living rooms and, with an outdoor fireplace and dining table, is used for evening drinks or morning breakfast.
Our room is on the first floor and overlooks a paddock with grazing sheep. Our ensuite has a spa bath for two and a rainhead shower tucked into an alcove. Beautiful basins, underfloor heating, hand-batched New Zealand toiletries, hot fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers complete the picture.
The curtains and bed linen are luxurious and add to the deluxe feel. A flat screen TV is hidden inside a bureau and there’s complimentary broadband and WiFi, but our aim is to be ‘unplugged’.
Downstairs we make ourselves at home in the day room and are offered bubbles or afternoon tea. We opt for the latter and sup from gorgeous china teacups and saucers and devour freshly baked carrot cake. We’re already chatting to Kay as if we’ve known her for ages; she excels at finding out what we’re looking for during our visit and makes us feel at home. We’re also encouraged to help ourselves, at any time, to complimentary morsels and treats in the kitchen fridge.
With years of experience in the hospitality industry behind her, Kay can advise guests on the various tourist experiences and restaurants in the region and she’s happy to organise the trips too. Added to that, Kay is also a wedding celebrant and wedding planner and has organised many intimate weddings in the downstairs reception room with its long tables and brocaded tablecloths, crystal chandeliers, natural rustic timbers and an open fireplace.
With a break in the rain, we decide to explore the surrounds. For an additional charge guests can enjoy horse-riding lessons with the on-site riding instructor or a trek over farmland and native bush, but we’re content to walk and explore some of the 40-acre property and offer a few fresh carrots to the horses. Cheyenne, the donkey, is also happy to join guests for a walk but today she is satisfied with her fair share of pats and carrots.
Pre-dinner canapés and drinks are on offer in the formal lounge and it’s an opportunity for us to chat to holidaymakers from the USA. We progress through to the dining room where the table is laden with fresh flowers, greenery and all the glassware, cutlery and crockery that you would expect from such a fabulous setting. We then experience Kay’s other talent, cooking, and are served a delicious three-course meal with wines to match.
Whilst we indulge in this culinary delight, Kay and a helper nip up to our rooms to turn down the sheets, close the curtains and sprinkle fresh rose petals in the spa bath. I could get used to this!
Before bedtime we take a few moments on the verandah to enjoy the clearing night sky, breathe in the country air and enjoy the twinkling lights of Tauranga in the distance. I can already feel the tightness in my shoulders easing.
The bed is comfy, the room is quiet and dark, and it isn’t long before we’re both sound asleep.
Next morning, although we really shouldn’t be eating anything else, we amble downstairs and are drawn to the morning room where a leisurely breakfast beckons. We are offered a hot breakfast of our choice, which we decline, as we’ve already been enticed by the assortment of mueslis, fresh and stewed fruit, yoghurts and toast. Fresh orange juice and tea or coffee round off the selection. Sublime!
Kay’s heartfelt belief is that “you arrive as guests and leave as friends” and this is certainly the case as we bid farewell later that morning.
Price: $995 per night
Website: thefrenchcountryhouse.co.nz
Instagram: @thefrenchcountryhouse
Facebook: @thefrenchcountryhouse