Entire home

Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

Photo gallery for Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

House from carpark
Kitchen from dining
Kitchen toward dining
living room toward kitchen stairs
Queen Bedroom

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Dunedin City, Otago
  • Larnach Castle
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • The Octagon
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • University of Otago
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom one

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom two

3 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

Nau mai! Haere mai! Craftsman built home in 4 acres of garden and revegetated native bush gives you all the home comforts in a stunning rural seaside setting. (The dawn chorus is outstanding!)

Situated in Broad Bay, 'Waiata Manu' offers you opportunities to re-energise amid the tranquil surroundings of bush, beach and sea. Or you can explore the best of the recreation and wildlife opportunities this beautiful area offers.

Under the Kiwi bach tradition (and as we do not live near the property) you are asked to:
Bring your own sheets, towels and pillowcases.
Clean the house for the next people when you leave.
This house is not serviced and the price reflects this.

The house is owner-built on four levels to reduce impact on the site and boasts a solid wood kitchen and 2 log fires for heating (one in the kitchen-dining room, one in the large living room). You can enjoy stunning views from extensive decks and indulge in the ready made library and board game selection. The house was furnished using the finest of pre-loved items to reduce our environmental impact. (Check out the Crown Lynn and Temuka collection!). Firewood is supplied and you are asked to replace what you use from the woodshed.

One bedroom has a Queen bed and loft bed above. The second bedroom has 2 divan beds with loft bed above. The mezzanine above the main living room has a pull out sofa bed with extra queen mattress (under Queen bed) for added comfort. The house can sleep a total of about 8. There are several spare single mattresses and there are plenty of spare duvets and pillows. The bathroom is on the kitchen level and boasts a full length bath, also a shower, basin and separate toilet.

Walking tracks from the back of the house allow access to views of Aramoana and the open ocean from the firewood plantation at the top of the section.

Please note that this is a work-in-progress and 3 of the internal staircases have handrails but no vertical balusters and so this may make the house not suitable for very small children.

Enjoy the stunning location, appreciate the flora and fauna, relax in comfort in our superior decor, value the aesthetic and let us know how we can make it even better.
Nau mai Haere Mai

Special conditions:

When driving on Otago Peninsula do not assume your GPS shows actual roads! Download our instructions for detail on routes.

The driveway is a challenge for some, but no problem when you keep your speed up. You may want to inspect it before you drive up. Turn around at top. Do not bring towing vehicles up.

House is on 4 levels so there are stairs! House is a work in progress so vertical balusters are not yet present on 3 flights of stairs.This may be an issue for young children.
Usual reply within 48 hours.

Remember: you need to bring your own linen and clean the house ready for the next people.

Property manager

birdsongjenny

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Dunedin

Located in Broad Bay, a neighbourhood in Dunedin, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The Fletcher House and Lighthouse are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Chisholm Park Golf Club and Speight's Brewery. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Edgar Centre or Forsyth Barr Stadium. Jet skiing and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and mountain climbing nearby.
Map
Dunedin City, Otago

What's nearby

  • Larnach Castle - 15 min drive - 8.1 km
  • The Octagon - 17 min drive - 16.0 km
  • University of Otago - 18 min drive - 17.2 km
  • Forsyth Barr Stadium - 19 min drive - 17.6 km
  • Dunedin Botanic Garden - 20 min drive - 18.8 km

Getting around

  • Dunedin Railway Station - 17 min drive
  • Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eureka Bar & Cafe - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪St David Cafe - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪The Flying Squid - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Emerson's Brewery - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat?

As of 18 Apr 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat on 27 Apr 2025 start from AU$128.96, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat located?

Located in Broad Bay, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of The Fletcher House and Larnach Castle. Lighthouse and Silver Peaks Reserve are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 117 out of 198 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 63 out of 198 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 198 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 198 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 198 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Jeff

Do not stay here if you have a regular car and want to park on-site. The track to the house is very steep down and then up again. After rain our car got stuck and it cost $300 to get it towed out. The owners live hours away in the north island and were no help. We The house is old and relies on the cleaning of the previous guest. The internal stairs have only partial railings, do not comply with building regulations and are dangerous. We left as soon as we could.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Donn & Janet

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved the fires, unique construction and location. Driveway was impossible at this time of year don't arrive after dark! In the end we parked at end of drive and walked! Uncared for feel inside, curtains coming off hooks, kitchen grubby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Glenn

Liked: Amenities, communication
Unique style of the house and very quiet setting private with the natural beauty right up to the house.Two fireplaces added bonus created a cosy atmosphere. Little tight on the driveway for turning larger vehicles.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Nicole J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home on the hill

The home has lots of character. Great views. A little difficult for my elderly parents with the stairs. But would be great fo younger family. With very clear directions and instructions.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marama

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We thoroughly enjoyed this property, my children loved the space, the games, even the movie selection. I enjoyed the peace, the nosey birds and the freedom to move. Only thing is to be aware of the grassy driveway, it caught out a visitor who had difficulty turning to face out of the driveway, if the caravan wasn't present, would have been easy to maneuver the big ford ranger without my 8 seater in the way. Otherwise a great stay and affordable for families.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Jeanette

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We absolutely loved the house tucked away in the bush and private. So tranquil and beautiful the birds and views a great to wake up to. Only problem for me was being a heavy person I felt the stairs a bit unsafe so ended up taking mattresses down to the lounge and sleeping there. And some of the decks are a bit soft . But other than that it's great, we would definitely stay again. Driveway was as it says a bit tricky but easy once you get the hang of it. Loved this house 🏠

8/10 Good

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The property is unique and in a very cool place but is quite dated and some features (or lack of) I would consider unsafe (as a carpenter). The green couch in the den broke as soon as we sat on it (the back piece came clean off, I can only assume a previous guest had broken it and delicately put it back in place). The outside deck has some severely rotten boards that you would probably go straight through if you put all your weight on. The handrail is also a dangerous height as I believe you would go straight over it if you stumbled into it. There is no balustrade on the stairs leading from the bedrooms down to the lounge, which would be very dangerous for young children. The lower landing on this same set of stairs also has a large crack almost halfway along the length, which I would also consider dangerous, especially for a heavier user. The driveway is very steep and several people in the guestbook noted that they failed to make the drive up to the house at all. Obviously, this is the nature of the property but maybe the property description more accurately reflecting the state of the driveway would be helpful. Finally, I don't understand why I was charged a service fee when we are expected to clean the entire property from top to bottom when leaving. This is fine, but charging $152 a night seems high to me when the property is not serviced at all. Saying all this, the house is in a beautiful spot and has some cool features. Staying here was certainly an experience.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicola G.

A hideaway in the trees.

This home is tucked away in an overgrown garden. When you find your way to the entrance and open the door you are pleasantly surprised. We found this place to be a perfect haven to relax and recharge in. It is delightfully decorated and the wood fire provides a cosy atmosphere in which to snuggle up and read a book..The bath is deep and is set in a window looking out to the garden greenery. This home is a clearly much loved holiday retreat which the family are taking time to renovate. I would highly recommend it. If we return to this area we will definitely be rebooking.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Leon C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fiona

Very peaceful, loved the birds and privacy
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Arron C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serene Comfort

Relaxed stay in a beautiful home. Amazing design/layout. Trees and birds... swaying and singing. Great base to explore Okatou. Considerate hosts, very patient and helpful when an earlier problem arose for previous booking. Deeply appreciated. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacey K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

Stayed with a few friends over the weekend. It was so lovely; the views, the surrounding bush and the sense of retreat. The library is amazing if you are a literary geek. Loved all of the detail in the woodwork. Unfortunately one of us snapped her achilles the day before and I will say that the property is tricky to navigate in crutches. But we had a great time - thank to Portobello Pub for dinner.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique treehouse-like bach

We had a great time at this bach, we loved being out on the peninsula but close enough to Dunedin to enjoy the best of both. The split levels weren’t ideal for my husband on crutches, but that was my bad as it was clearly explained in the listing. Our son loved the loft bed and we all enjoyed the wood burners, harbour views and native birdsong. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Philip W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous spot

This was a lovely spot to stay in, gorgeous views and birdsong. Felt like a real peninsula experience before you even left the house. Amazing selection of books. Could probably stay here a year and not run out of things to read. Fire is great and there was plenty of firewood. We're soft northerners and didn't have the knack of stoking the fire to last the night so mornings were a bit chilly until we got the fire going again. An oil column heater with a thermostat would be great for backup overnight. The driveway was a bit intimidating at first but we didn't actually have any trouble. If we come back we might choose a 4wd rental car just for the reassurance. Kitchen was well equipped and we were able to cook up some nice big meals very happily.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

sasha s.

Liked: Location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Lovley

Great
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

Loved it. Great place with lovely surroundings. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic house

Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot for a bit of R & R

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Location felt secluded while still being handy to Dunedin. Will definitely stay again! :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nature retreat

Beautiful spot snuggled amongst nature with amazing views of Broad Bay. Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bohemian paradise

A wonderful and magical space, all sorts of levels and outdoor spaces, great book selection, we'd love to come back! Driveway is exciting...
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Amy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely forest bach

The bach has a great view and is remote. However it’s only 20 minutes drive from the city. It’s reasonably clean, very quiet and well stocked with books to entertain. The bedrooms are upstairs (bathroom is downstairs). The driveway was a problem on the wet day because of the grass and dirt, but we parked on the street those days. It is a steep driveway with VERY little area to turn around. Any larger vehicles won’t be able to turn. 4WD recommended on wet days. I presume because the owners don’t live nearby that it hasn’t had a deep clean in a while. A few cobwebs didn’t bother us but it would have been nicer if the trees had been maintained as they are a bit overgrown now. Still we had a great visit and the house was very nice. I recommend staying.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

sandra m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful bush like setting

Easy to locate. gorgeous dwelling with everything you need. Made a good base to come back to after a busy day out. Loved the bookshelf and films! Will definitely come again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacey H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and private

Lovely stay, description is accurate. Don’t forget your bathmat and tea towels to make visit easier. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Stacey H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Second visit

Lovely property, will be back for the peace and solitude and views
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rolien and Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location and house design

The house was wonderful , set in bush with harbour views - amazing
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by birdsongjenny

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Stunning sea views, everything you could want for comfort and inside entertainment,