OUNUWHAO HARDING HOUSE

This restored villa (circa 1894) is testament to superb colonial New Zealand craftsmanship and one of Northland's finest examples of an early New Zealand Kauri farmhouse. Sited alongside a grassed reserve, bordered by century-old Norfolk pines, opposite the picturesque bay - a favourite mooring-place for yachts - swimming can be enjoyed on the high tide. There is a comfortable guest lounge with a refrigerator and tea and coffee available all day, a television, magazines and a wide selection of books and the daily newspaper; the house has a conservatory which is surrounded by flowers in the cottage garden, and views across to the ever-changing waters of the bay. Each room is individually decorated, with handmade patchwork quilts, brass beds and fresh flowers from the garden. Lodge Rooms are charming and tranquil, all with ensuite or private bathrooms with old fashioned, hand-painted Georgian tiles and have showers and toilets; two also have a claw-foot bath. The two front rooms feature their own washstand and have French doors opening onto the verandah and conservatory area, with sea views. The Garden Suite is detached from the main house and is large and roomy, with a sofa and chairs for total relaxation. The ensuite bathroom features a spa bath with shower and a washstand; the kitchen area has no cooking facilities as such, but has a bench, sink, fridge and microwave. The Suite opens onto its own verandah with outdoor seating in the garden.