Fleewinter

Kippilaw House Picton - NZM002

A food-lovers paradise in sunny Picton

2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4

3-course gourmet breakfast included
Evening fine dining available if booked in advance
Cooking classes if booked in advance
Free wifi

Kippilaw House in Picton is a beautiful, traditional Victorian style house built only a few years ago from new and recycled materials. Entering the house feels like stepping back in time, except with surprising modern luxuries such as solar powered under-floor heating in the bathrooms and instant hot water in the kitchen.

It is owned and operated by Margaret and Bill who are sure to give you more than a taste of kiwi hospitality. Margaret is a trained chef and they both owned a delicatessen business in Auckland for many years. They both have a huge passion for food. Breakfast is a 3-course affair and changes daily but will always incorporate fresh local produce including fruits and vegetables from the garden depending on the season. If you are feeling too weary to head out for dinner then book ahead and Margaret will concoct a delicious 4 course evening meal served with a bottle of local Marlborough wine. After sampling all the treats that Margaret has produced, you might be inspired to learn more. If so, Margaret runs cooking classes for guests.

The house itself has two king sized double bedrooms, although the upstairs room has an additional sofa bed in the private lounge area, which is ideal for those travelling with children. The rooms are both cool and spacious, with huge en-suite bathrooms. Fluffy white towels, crisp, fine linen and fresh flowers complete the picture of luxury. There are plenty of sitting areas to relax and read a book or find a shady spot in the garden to while away your time. If you want to be sociable, Bill and Margaret are always on hand with a cup of tea, baked goodies and plenty of advice of what to do in the surrounding area.

Picton is an ideal stop-off for those taking the ferry across the Cook Strait or the Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch. Bill is happy to do pick-ups and drop-offs at both and they can organise an early or packed breakfast if you have to get away early. If you base yourself here for a few days, it is easy to organise wine tours around the Marlborough wine region, boat trips into the Sounds, tramping on the Queen Charlotte track and much, much more.