The Garden

Cranbrook Cottage was originally a stable boy’s quarters in the grounds of the stately Ball residence on the outskirts of Blenheim. Dating from the 1870s, the building was run down and faced demolition when we rescued it, relocating the cottage to our Giffords Rd property where it now stands, in its own grounds, set back from the main mud brick home.

 

Many hours of work followed, and with lots of tender loving care and a nod to the building’s original roots, Cranbrook Cottage was refurbished to make it the cosy, comfortable hideaway it is today. Walls and ceilings were stripped back to reveal warm wooden linings (insulated for warmth). Quirky fixtures and prints adorn the walls while the bedrooms are a haven in white linen and floaty nets. Outside the verandah catches the afternoon sun — a great spot for contemplating the scenery, listening to the tuis and enjoying a glass or two of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. [for more info on facilities click here]

Life at Cranbrook Cottage is as relaxed as you want it to be. A hot breakfast is delivered on a tray by Keren every morning, the rest is up to you. Some guests like to take time to explore the extensive gardens around the property. The cottage itself is set back with its own lawns and access, surrounded by our orchards (Pacific Rose, Braeburn apples and quince) and vineyards (Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot). Graceful mature trees include old black poplars, basket willows and dozens of walnuts, and if you are staying for more than a fleeting visit, you’ll find it hard to resist the stroll through the vegetable garden to pick fresh veg and herbs. We’ve been busy growing heirloom and heritage tomatoes and other wonderful veg from seeds sourced from Kings Seeds and Kohunga Gardens, Nth Auckland. If you would like to explore more of the region’s gardens in a customised tour, get in touch.

As you’d expect, our gardens are a hive of activity with varied birdlife

We’re privileged and excited to increasingly receive visits from tuis and koreres (native pigeons), which are being attracted by our plantings of NZ native trees and bushes. We are frequented by little day and night German owls, pheasants and nesting paradise ducks as well as the numerous finches, larks and cute little Autumn fantails. Hawks can be seen swooping low over the vineyards, protecting grapes from sweet-toothed smaller birds.