Sometimes we 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. We have already shown you The French Country House, let’s have a look at the Warm Earth Cottage now!
Prior to our visit to Warm Earth Cottage I’ve been corresponding with Jan, the owner, so by the time we arrive we’re already friends. Jan is passionate about her property and her enthusiasm shines through. We get the grand tour and are already impressed that Jan does everything herself.
Warm Earth Cottage is the name of the communal cabin – separate from the accommodation cabins – that guests can visit if they are desperate for the mod cons of life … such as electricity! It’s a place of quiet contemplation where you can listen to music or take a book from the library and sprawl out in front of the fire with a hot chocolate or coffee. There’s no WiFi here; that’s only available up the hill near the office, and Jan reminds us that staying at Warm Earth is about unplugging from our gadgets and reconnecting, communicating and relaxing.
The two secluded cabins on the property – Tranquillity and Serenity – are quaint structures oozing character and charm, and designed after the miners’ cottages of yesteryear. Each cottage accommodates one couple, and there’s no electricity – just the promise of warm evocative lighting from the candles and lantern. The cabins are simply furnished and cooking is via a barbeque on the veranda; there’s also a gas burner to boil the billy for a cuppa. A room with a toilet and wash basin is attached to each cabin and shower facilities are located in a bathroom unit between the two guest cabins.
We’ve been gifted a barbeque dinner hamper from Master Chef Trudie Robinson (Masterchef Top 5, 2014) – these are available to order before your arrival and I highly recommend them. As the sun begins to set we fire up the barbie and begin cooking the steaks, marinated chicken thighs and mushrooms. Salads, a small cheese platter and handmade choccies accompany the meal. Everything is delicious and, as an added bonus, there’s enough left over for the next evening.
The highlight of the evening is a bush bath that Jan lights each night for her guests. With wine glass in hand, we enjoy a leisurely soak and while away a few hours, topping it up with cold water as the fire continues to heat the base.
Admittedly I’m not an early-to-bed person, but my husband is. While he sidles off for the night, I sit outside, initially agitated because I can’t read, catch up on social media or check emails. I remind myself why I’m here, and take a deep breath and relax into the darkness and solitude of the night. It’s a long time since I’ve stood outside in complete darkness. I listen to the nearby Waitekohe stream, the night birds and other sounds of the night percolating around me. I embrace the solitude before heading indoors to our cabin and a good night’s sleep.
We receive a breakfast hamper next morning and leisurely prepare bacon, eggs, hash browns and home-grown tomatoes. We explore the beautiful gardens that Jan has lovingly created and, as it’s so hot, we can’t resist a dip in the nearby stream. The rest of the afternoon is spent snoozing and reading.
The time we’ve had away from the noise of the real world and another early night means we wake refreshed and recharged – it’s time to head back to work and deadlines.
Price: $350 for a single night or $300 per night for 2 or more nights (breakfast included)
Website: warmearthcottage.co.nz
