On river.Stay at this West Taratahi cottage and you'll be within 16 miles (25 km) of Vintage Aviation Museum and Old Stick & Rudder Company. Gladstone Vineyard and Henley Lake are within 16 miles (25 km).
Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art and History - 31 min drive - 24.2 km
Getting around
Paraparaumu (PPQ) - 103 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Provence Stone Cottage - Wairarapa Retreat with spring water and natural power
This iconic Provence style Cottage (built by a French theatre set designer) is a much admired eco-friendly and sustainable 2b/r stone cottage built of local stone and native timber with outstanding views of valley, river and mountains. Near to Carterton, Greytown and Masterton to access vineyard and restaurant treats..
In the very private and picturesque setting, drink pure artesian spring water while listening to abundant birds on your sunny veranda. The 225 acre unspoilt property has its own clean solar/hydro power generation system and the water comes from an artesian spring - tested to exceed treated domestic water. This is a heritage 'Dark Sky' site for stargazing.
Go for a bush walk on the property or in the National Park just across the river, explore Mt Holdsworth, go biking, play golf - or sit around the cosy fire and play games, or visit the popular vineyards and restaurants for a vibrant good-time.
Around 20 minutes to Carterton/Greytown/Masterton or less than 30 mins to Martinborough this is an adventure escape that represents the Wairarapa 'good life'. Come and Enjoy our environment and escape pressures for a while!
TRAVEL TIP: You can bring your bike on the train from Wellington and it is a flat 17K ride on rural roads to the Cottage from Carterton rail station.
Property manager
kieran shaw
Languages
Dutch, English, German
Similar properties
Prvt cottage + cabin + pool on quarter acre section (wood burner, pet friendly)
Prvt cottage + cabin + pool on quarter acre section (wood burner, pet friendly)
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Single level property
Smoke-free property
Note from host: Smoking is not allowed anywhere on this property
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Bicycle parking
Bicycle storage
Boat
Golf
Tennis
Water park
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
100% renewable energy
At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Bed sheets changed on request
Bicycle parking
Bicycle storage
Bulk dispensers for toiletries
Composting
Comprehensive food waste policy
Comprehensive recycling policy
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Garden
Grey water recycling system
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Living plant wall
Solar energy
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 1,023 square feet
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Wind energy
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
No pets allowed
Note from host: We have a strict no dog policy.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Celebrations only for registered guests
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses wind and solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Parties and events are allowed on site. Note from host: Celebrations only for registered guests This property uses wind and solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.
Property Registration Number 7817801
Provence Stone Cottage - Wairarapa Retreat with spring water and natural power Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 58 out of 67 reviews
10 - Excellent
58
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 67 reviews
8 - Good
9
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 67 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
8/10 Good
colin and vicki d.
Apr 7, 2025
rustic getaway
remote and private authentic european styled stone cottage, reminiscent of centuries old, once off main roads only about 6 km of single lane unsealed road, easily driven.
colin and vicki d.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
John M.
Apr 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Five Days in Provence
This small cottage in the steep, verdant hills of West Taratahi will surely take you back years to a much less hurried and harried time.Unplug your phone and recharge your soul. The repurposed interior doors and rough-hewn kitchen cabinets, counter top and tree-trunk end caps are enchanting. Well done Kieran and Susie.
John M.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Amandine T.
Oct 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A peaceful stay
Cosy stay in a remote and peaceful location, perfect to feel refreshed!
Amandine T.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
8/10 Good
Heather P.
Sep 5, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Escape from the rain
We had a cozy stay at the Stone Cottage. Our hosts were very lovely and accommodating, and their very special dog came to visit us for a scratch each night. The surrounding area is gorgeous - even in what turned out to be a rainy couple of days. The sun came out long enough for a hike up to the top of the hill for a beautiful view of the Wairapa. The wood stove kept us warm, and the bath was a welcome end to each day. Looking forward to visiting again with family!
Heather P.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Pieta S.
May 15, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Getaway
I definitely recommend this getaway! So cozy and amazing views!
Pieta S.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
kiaya B.
Jan 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay
Great place to relax. Thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Thanks
kiaya B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Veronica S.
Sep 20, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Adventure house
We were craving some isolation, some lush family time, and this place was perfection. I only wish we'd stayed longer! My toddler loved sitting on the deck watching the bees in the rosemary and walking down to visit the dog.
Veronica S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Zane O.
Sep 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful stay in the valley
We absolutely loved it here!
It was just what we needed.
Highlights:
Hot wood burner
Great big relaxing bath
Sunny private deck
No cell reception
We highly recommend this place.
We'll be back again.
Ngā mihi
Zane O.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
Aug 14, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A gentle getaway
Brilliant little cabin - hugely enjoyed the space and the area. Just a great relaxing time.
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Malissa G.
Apr 25, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
True getaway from everything!
Fantastic romantic retreat in the middle of nature.
Loved the extra large bath and outdoor shower, but the amount of stars to see at night is just beautiful!
A true disconnect from everything to relax, read and take in the amazing scenery.
Malissa G.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Penny T.
Aug 22, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely getaway
Wonderful!!
Penny T.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Daile L.
Aug 17, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Off grid escape
We loved breathing in the bush air from the porch or the outdoor shower, cosying up to the fire reading a book, having a romantic bath and getting away from the screens! A lovely relaxing stay and we will definitely be back.
A truely wonderful place to stay and get away from everything. Cosy and relaxing cottage to stay in.
Easy
Ron W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Daryl F.
Nov 30, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice soot
Great place, charlie is a great guide.
Daryl F.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
10/10 Excellent
Sabrina G., Wellington
Nov 25, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday gift for our sister and brother-in-law
We stayed at the stone cottage before and loved it so much that we treated our sister and brother-in-law to a birthday weekend away.
They did not want to leave.
The cottage is perfect in any weather, sunny or not, rainy or not, stormy or not…highly recommended!!
Sabrina G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
10/10 Excellent
Paul J.
Oct 25, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic Charm
We had a lovely relaxing 2 nights here. Enjoyed the local walks into the valley with the local dog Charlie. The quietness with the river in the background was perfect. Really enjoyed the outside shower even when it was drizzling. Lovely friendly hosts too.
Perfect stay
Paul J.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
10/10 Excellent
Rosemary H.
Oct 20, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Digital Detox Bliss
Get away from the rat race in this cosy cottage. Well appointed but NO internet or mobile phone or TV (YAY!!!).
This is the ultimate "green prescription". Bush views, walks, exhilarating outdoor shower, log burner, comfy bed.
But if you cannot go cold turkey, then civilisation is just a short 25 minute drive away. And if you are willing, then Charlie the cool laid-back dog will happily spend time with you too!
Rosemary H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
10/10 Excellent
Fran A.
Sep 22, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent off grid hideaway.
Unique homegrown building with a homely decor. Sharing a bath with a wine, my soul mate and a book lends itself to à great start to a holiday! Thanks.
Fran A.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
10/10 Excellent
Beatriz S.
Aug 18, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Second time aroound
We’ll love this little cabin and the fireplace. Perfect for a relaxing getaway
Beatriz S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Paul M.
Aug 6, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderfully peaceful - thank you
Wonderfully peaceful - thank you
Paul M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Sabrina G., Wellington
Jun 27, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Just magnificent !
We stayed for two nights on a wet and stormy winter’s weekend. We were greeted by the gorgeous pup Charlie and the owner Susie, who already put the fire on to welcome us in this treasure of a cottage, miles away from it all. The cottage has a lot of Charme upon arrival and gets even better once inside. We felt home instantly, and feel that it is not just perfect for a wet and windy weekend but also in any type of weather. Very private and memorable stay. Thank you for sharing your beautiful cottage with the world. We will be back.
Sabrina G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
8/10 Good
Wayne H.
Jun 23, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
The cottage was neat and tidy. The cooking utensils are great. The tranquility was superb.
Will go again in summer as was a bit wet over the weekend we were there. Outdoor shower 👍
Wayne H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
8/10 Good
Leith H.
Jun 5, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Peace and quiet in the hills
It was a great way to unwind. We'll be back.
Leith H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
Lucy T.
Jun 2, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful cottage in beautiful surroundings
Such a wonderful stay! The cottage was more beautiful than we expected and was very well appointed. Peaceful bliss for a weekend getaway.