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 be perfect for a big family; the facilities are amazing, with a private gym and pool area. Scrubby Bay and Seascape have both won architectural awards and it is not hard to see why. They sit in neighbouring private bays. Scrubby Bay is styled as a beach house, clad in beautiful cedar, whereas Seascape – where I stayed – looks like something out of a James Bond film with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Everything is automated (someone will explain it all first!) and futuristic. The indoor and outdoor fires make it feel snug and warm, and the Jacuzzi is exactly what you need after a busy day on the farm.

What did you do during your stay?

Annandale is a working farm, so just on the drive to and from Seascape I got to meet the local sheep and cows. They also run daily farm tours, which are based around what needs to be done for the day – no shows for tourists, just a real working farm, which is fascinating. I might have gone for a swim in my private bay if the water was a bit warmer, but a paddle was quite enough in September!

What was the highlight?

Relaxing with a glass of wine on my private deck, watching the sunset and having the fire roaring next to me.

How was the food?

Annandale has an interesting way of serving their farm-to-table food. Due to the seclusion of each property, they provide your gourmet dinner and breakfast on trays in the fridge, with instructions on how to heat everything up and serve it. They also offer the services of a private chef who will come and prepare your meal if you don’t fancy doing it yourself. I had a wonderful rack of lamb for dinner, and the breakfast was amazing, too.

What sets this lodge apart?

The fact that each property is so different in style, as well as the absolute seclusion of each one.

Who would this appeal to?

The Homestead and Scrubby Bay are perfect for big family groups who want a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle. Seascape and Shepherd’s Cottage are perfect for honeymooners and couples, as they allow guests to be totally undisturbed by the outside world.

Need to know

Each property is for exclusive use. It is rather cold in winter (from May to September), but the fires make each property warm and cosy. For bookings and more information, please contact travel designers Katie Holmes (katie@jacadatravel.com, based in London, UK) or Kit Wong (kit@jacadatravel.com, based in Hong Kong).