Home is where the heart is, and this is genuinely evident when staying at ArtHouse Bed & Breakfast in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. From the first point of contact, whether it be email or phone conversation, the service provided by owners Denise and Bruce are exceptional. Their passion for art and devotion to their profession is to be admired.
Located on the outskirts of Matamata, home to the acclaimed Hobbiton movie set which is only a short drive away, ArtHouse exhibits beauty both inside and out. In its tranquil surroundings, the grace of the Kaimai Ranges and Mt Te Aroha present sublime views of New Zealand’s charming countryside. ArtHouse is a ten-minute drive to the nearest town of Matamata, where an excellent choice of dining options awaits. I would definitely recommend the local Italian restaurant “Osteria”, where we shared a delicious dinner one evening.
Staying at ArtHouse is like spending the night in your own private art gallery. The personal art collection, consisting of contemporary paintings, sculptures and glass are mostly those of local New Zealand artists, such as Bill Hammond, Lisa Grennell and Darina Denali. The compilation is constantly added to by Denise and Bruce. Their eye for detail and style complement the pristine residence and present a unique touch to their B&B.
Art House has three guest rooms, each with their own special flair and beautiful views of the countryside. The themed guest rooms complete with their own luxurious en-suite bathrooms are extremely comfortable and stylish. We stayed in the Swan Room, which is the largest of the three guest rooms. It has a king size bed (with an electric blanket), free wi-fi and a wall-mounted TV with lovely views across the paddocks towards the Kaimai Ranges. The spacious en-suite has under-floor heating, a walk-in shower, toilet, heated towel rails, vanity and a LED make-up mirror. My two teenage children stayed in the Peony Room with pillow topped twin beds, Wi-Fi and a wall-mounted TV. A private bathroom across the hall with under-tile heating, shower, heated towel rail, vanity and toilet is solely for Peony Room guests. Luxury velour bathrobes are also provided to use while staying at ArtHouse.
All guests are invited to share a scrumptious breakfast together each morning. Breakfast is served in the cosy dining area of the property overlooking the delightful back courtyard area and the cow paddock with Mt. Te Aroha in the distance. A satisfying morning meal, with cereals, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, eggs and toast are freshly prepared and cooked to order. Allergies and intolerances are all catered for too. Don’t miss the homemade tasty bircher muesli and Bruce’s acclaimed freshly baked croissants, yummmm! ArtHouse is a great way to get to know fellow travellers staying at the property. We met some lovely people during our stay and sharing a wonderful breakfast together was quite special.
ArtHouse also has a separate guest lounge. This comfortable space is designed for relaxing, reading, playing cards or a board game, or just for having a cup of tea/coffee with a homemade biscuit. A nightcap of port was a special touch we enjoyed at ArtHouse. In the morning and evenings, Denise is more than happy to have an assistant accompany her when feeding the resident alpacas. The two ladies, Madonna and Freda, welcomed feeding time and it was a great opportunity to pat their soft fur coats while doing so.
Relaxing at ArtHouse is easily done. Simply allow the magic of ArtHouse and the hospitality of hosts, Denise and Bruce, provide you with an experience you will never forget. Denise and Bruce are always there to assist and are more than happy to recommend local activities or places to eat. This authentic B&B experience is a real “pièce de résistance”.
*2019 WINTER SPECIAL – STAY 3 NIGHTS AND SAVE 10%. Daily Breakfast included. Valid 26 June 2019 to 31 August 2019. Valid for direct bookings via ArtHouse website only
Disclosure: Sponsored post in collaboration with ArtHouse B&B. This post contains my own personal photos. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I choose to write this honest review to inform you of my experience.
Contact: Denise and Bruce
77 Duncan Road
RD1 Waharoa
Waikato 3473
New Zealand
T: +647/07 880 9268 or 021 258 2691
59 Broadway, Matamata
New Zealand
T: +647 07 888 5652
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Looks fab! 🙂 :0
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Thanks Jo. Highly recommend this place. X
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What a fabulous place, art, great food and alpacas! What’s not to love.
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Absolutely Darlene 😉
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Looks like an absolutely wonderful place to stay. And those alpacas are gorgeous! xx
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They were so cute Miriam. Loved feeding them and just watching them in the paddock. Gorgeous creatures. 😊
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This is beautiful, very peaceful too. Great photos.
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Extremely peaceful. Thanks Monica. 😊
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Such beautiful animals and what a stunning place it just oozes peace and quiet 🙂
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Absolutely Carol 😊
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That looks like such a fun place to stay, and I love the decor!
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So do I. I loved admiring the artwork in each room. 😊
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What a lovely touch of luxury during your holiday.
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It sure was. Just a delightful place to stay. 😊
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Everything about this place looks so inviting. The outside of the house, the gardens and the green views. And then the inside, everything is so tasteful, and that’s not just the food. Those croissants definitely looked scrumptious. And that artwork – wow! I particularly liked the painting of the lady with the photographer in the picture. Thank you Lorelle. A great place to see.
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My pleasure Chris. I highly recommend this little gem. Have a great week. 😊
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Wonderful Kiwi attention to detail and hospitality no doubt.
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You’re one hundred percent right L. 😊
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Looks like a perfect vacation ! Feeding the alpacas must have been a great experience .
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They are so cute Nisha. My kids (even though older) looked forward to it too. 😉
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That’s wonderful !!
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They earn their name. I love all the art on the walls!
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A lovely touch to a bed and breakfast. Quite unique 😍
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So intrigued by the art at this B&B and how it is incorporated throughout the house.
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It’s lovely to take in and appreciate the art in this B&B. 😊
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Now that is how a B&B should be, it looks amazing!
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I agree. Thanks lovely 😊
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this looks absolutely superb. i must remember it for our next trip to NZ. i have seen that painting before in the third photo down – the one with the woman and the fellow with a camera. it was in the christchurch gallery i think.
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Hi Sherry
That is a definite possibility as the owners are originally from the South Island.
Wow, good spotting, you must love your art!
Thanks for stopping by. 😊
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What a lovely piece of luxury. Your photos are beautiful. I’m sure you enjoyed your stay 😊
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We did. It’s an awesome place to stay. Xx
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