Nestled in the gardens of the historic Tinui Station Homestead you will find Schoolhouse, which provides bunkhouse accommodation. Guests may rent a whole bunkroom containing four good sized bunks, or more casual arrangements involving sharing a room with other travellers.
In front of the cottage, you’ll find the spa pool under the stars, as well as room to BBQ and an outdoor area with seating and a fire pit, where outdoor dining is possible.
Schoolhouse is a renovated and modernised rebuild of an earlier Shepherds quarters. The interior has been carefully redesigned to provide three spacious bunkrooms containing four robust timber king single bunks, each with private phone charging area, reading light and small storage area.
External access is provided into a comfortable spacious open plan well appointed kitchen, dining and living room area with cosy wood burning stove. This connects with a passage to the three bunkrooms along with a full bathroom and second separate WC and handbasin. There is an additional shower and WC within the laundry (with external access) alongside the second entry into the living area.
With polished warm golden timber floors throughout, this cottage has a very attractive character interior plus enjoys extensive all day sunshine with a private aspect to the northeast over the spa pool.
The modernised kitchen features all you need to prepare meals. It contains generous fridge/freezer provisioning, two ovens and one gas and one electric four element hob, dishwasher, extensive benchspace and ample crockery, cutlery and utensils.
The cottage has its own spa pool as noted above. We use fresh spring water, so no chlorine or residual chemicals. The water is treated with ozone which dissipates as oxygen on contact with air.
Schoolhouse Cottage enjoys a private view of the natural sloping hinterland rising up to the Tinui Taipos incorporating many varied trees and grassy meadows beneath. These cast dappled sunlight far enough from the dwelling so as not to impede abundant morning and daytime sunshine, and provide a peaceful ambience.
There is much to enjoy in the tranquil cottage surrounds. The wider garden and grounds are a sanctuary for birds thanks to over eight years of biodynamic practices. More than 30 species of bird have been spotted here. From the Bellbird bringing in the dawn chorus, Tui celebrating the sunset and the Morepork at night, vibrant bird life defines the relaxing backdrop of the Estate.
You may explore the Homestead grounds and the established trees and flowers. Discover the bustling orchard wrapped by a river-stone wall, containing plum, peach, nectarine, pear, apple, feijoa and citrus trees and bushes. Explore further! You will find the twin oaks that have watched over the Homestead since its founding over a century ago. Each corner of the grounds has its theme, from multiple plantings of native New Zealand plants and trees to the Rhododendron and Australian tree corners.
Further afield, there is much to see and do. The General Stores at Castlepoint and Riversdale offer coffee and take-aways. Great pub meals can be had at the newly reopened Tinui Pub at just a 5 minute walk and the Castlepoint Hotel (Whakataki Pub) a short drive away. Please note that the closest supermarket is in Masterton.
Wi-Fi is available and included and mobile phone reception is excellent. There is ample carparking available.
Pets are allowed by arrangement, on a case by case basis depending on level of bookings in the bunkhouse.
The rate is $65 per bunk per night. A whole room can be booked for $195.00 per night.
The large modern kitchen is fully equipped. The laundry has a washing machine, dryer and tub. Ironing board and iron are available. There is a wood burning stove and kindling and firewood is supplied. A private spring water spa pool is next to the cottage.
We supply bedding, also linen being sheets and pillow cases and towels.
