Mairenui Rural Retreat, Mangaweka

Mairenui Rural Retreat is a three house farmstay complex nestled in the scenic hill country of the Rangitikei District, in the Central North Island of New Zealand. They offer three levels of farmstay accommodation: - The Retreat - The Villa - The Homestead
	The Retreat The Retreat is an architect-designed, 3½ storey timber dwelling, set in a 700 year old stand of native trees. We chose a John Comeskey design from the 1970's, and it was constructed by us, utilising timber milled on the farm. The structure is open plan, leading from the semi-circular living room, complete with music stack, television and free-standing fireplace, up to the main dining, kitchen and utility area. The kitchen is paved with red bricks and is complete with electric oven, microwave and for the nostalgic, a wood-burning stove as well. Just off the kitchen, in the old conservatory, is our new breakfast room, with a tiled floor, cane furniture and a Mediterranean feel. The bath/shower room and toilet are also brick floored, and instead of windows, have wooden shutters opening to the native bush. The windows however, are in the ceiling, with the whole roof being totally glassed.
Up the circular, brick-encased staircase are the two main bedrooms, one with a queen-sized bed from which you can gaze over the surrounding countryside through a two-storey high arched window ... or open the french doors and enjoy the bird life from the private balcony. In the season, the huge native wood pigeons (kereru) gorge themselves on the berries of the nearby miro tree. The other bedroom is smaller, with a double bed, and two small arched windows built into the rough-timbered sloping walls. A third bedroom is up a vertical ladder, with two single beds and a window above the stair tower. An extra bed is available on the wide window seat in the dining area, at the base of the high arched window. Much of the wooden furniture was built by the resident German cabinetmaker, from native timbers. The grounds are private, with roses, rhododendrons and camellias, and a homemade barbecue and table.
	The Villa A turn of the century homestead, The Villa was restored by David and Matt in 1995. It boasts five bedrooms, and can sleep up to 10 people. We at Mairenui have tried to keep the Villa as close to the original as practicable - that means there is no TV or Music Stack, rather a wind-up gramophone, small pool table, two open fires and a wood stove,and lots of books and magazines. However, to make life easier for our guests, we have provided an electric stove, refrigerator, kettle, toaster etc, and some electric blankets and heaters! Verandahs on two sides of the house provide plenty of room for relaxing on the comfortable seats in the sun. Large lawns, a home-built barbecue, and a view down the valley, and up to the Ruahine Ranges - what more could one ask for?
	The Homestead Mairenui Homestead offers luxury in-house accommodation for up to four people. One double room, with new Queen-size bed, electric blanket and sheepskin underlay; small sitting area with sofa (able to be made into an extra bed), tea, coffee percolator, and a wide selection of books and magazines; and a large slate-floored ensuite bathroom with sunken, tiled bath/shower, toiletries, and hairdryer. One twin room with handmade beds crafted from native totara timber milled on the farm; slat bases, firm mattresses, electric blankets, and feather duvets and pillows (blankets and other pillows available); two easy chairs, tea, coffee plunger, a further selection of books and magazines; and an ensuite shower/toilet, tiled in Italian marble. Both rooms have electric heating, heated towel rails, bathrobes, and individual verandahs with tables and chairs - great for relaxing after a hard day's sightseeing, garden visiting or adventure.
Two or three course meals are available, with a pre-dinner drink and wine with dinner included in the price. Mairenui is liquor licenced, enabling guests to choose additional bottles from our cellar of mainly New Zealand wines. A breakfast of your choice is provided, at a time which suits you, the guest. As a rule, room service breakfast is not available.