HOTEL OF THE MOMENT
ANNANDALE On the picturesque coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Annandale offers four luxury, exclusive-use lodges. Katie Holmes shares her experience of staying at the farm.
A working farm overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Annandale describes itself as ‘gumboot luxury’. Here, the rolling hills of the Banks Peninsula offer simple things that many of us crave: relaxation, solitude and lungfuls of fresh air. The four accommodation options are all totally different, ranging from the restored 19th-century Homestead to the modern, sleek Seascape villa. Each place is designed for exclusive use – two for couples, two for families or groups – and so private, you’ll have no idea there’s anyone else around. Katie Holmes drove to Annandale’s scenic coastal stretch to soak up some of that serenity. How did you get there? Annandale is around a 75-minute drive from the centre of Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island. I was travelling with a guide from Lake Tekapo, which took roughly three-and-a-half hours, so of course we stopped for lunch. Once I arrived, I was met at the gate and transferred to my villa, Seascape, by the farm utility vehicle. This was a lot of fun, as I was able to jump out and open and close all the cattle gates en route (this is optional!). You can also arrive or depart by helicopter, as each villa has its own helipad. What are the accommodation options? During my visit, I got to see all four of the properties at Annandale. They are all very different, so there really is something for everybody. Shepherd’s Cottage is adorably cosy, surrounded by the resident sheep. The Homestead is large and would 18
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