Stuart Manor, Templeton, South Island, NZ.

What a welcome to New Zealand!
Not that I’ve stayed at hundreds, but Stuart Manor would have to rate in the top two B&Bs I’ve ever visited. 

The other one was in Meadle, Bucks, UK, an exquisite country house that was once owned by the British actor John Mills (father of Hayley Mills) where I once stayed with Katy, Bobbie, Laura, Roy & Ilona – but that’s another story.

Stuart Manor is in Templeton, on the outskirts of Christchurch,  NZ.  Built as an elegant farm house in 1905, it was taken over by John and Kim two years ago, and lovingly renovated as a B&B. 

Our room, the Hokitiki Room, was delightfully appointed.

 John made us a very welcome afternoon tea.

Lobby (with chandelier).



Kim looked after the garden.



In the garden.



Still in the garden.

A bit more garden.



Stuart Manor has won a Trip Advisor award for 2012.
This could be the reason why:  At 6.30pm, “Drinks and Nibbles” were served in the lounge – and what “Drinks and Nibbles” !  Little glasses of mushroom soup, devils on horseback, and delicious spring rolls, all home made, of course.  We were the only guests there that night, but John and Kim spent over an hour chatting with us over this delightful cocktail.

Cereal bar.



Muesli with yoghurt and fresh fruit.



Eggs Benedict – I should have asked for one egg only.

While it was raining outside, it was warm, cosy and welcoming inside, and very hard to leave.
Thank you John and Kim for a wonderful first night in NZ.