Hidden away, only 4kms from downtown Auckland, is a beautiful century old Villa located in the leafy suburb of Mt Eden.
Eden Villa has been beautifully renovated and the interiors reflect a classical style of gilt-edged mirrors and the rich textures I love, but can never successfully emulate! When I open the door of our suite, this is the first impression.
This was such a lovely find for us. Christine and Antony are a well travelled Kiwi couple who really have seen it all. And they take great care in handling certain challenges that come their way. They don’t normally take children, however on one particular night they did as the circumstances were unusual. They anticipated our need for peace and quiet and had planned accordingly before our arrival. The families ate in the large kitchen where guests usually breakfast and we were placed upstairs in an intimate sitting room with views to the flowering hydrangeas below. I love the fact that they cared about this. Breakfast is an event here with Spode China, silver cutlery and crystal glasses gracing the table.
And let’s not forget those special festive touches.
No ghastly supermarket cereal brands here folks! Homemade muesili and preserves and those strawberries are plump, sweet and juicy.
Christine and Antony have grandchildren and because they love celebrating Christmas, the whole house is decked out in Christmas finery…
…and they’re inclusive hosts, encouraging a casual atmosphere where guests are free to utilise the whole property. If you stay here, you may find yourself transported back to childhood memories of a large wooden-floored kitchen with a massive dining table and real honest-to-goodness conversation. Here’s Christine getting ready to replenish Michael’s cup of coffee.
We chose to stay away from downtown Auckland which is easily assessed by a reliable bus service but more importantly, because Mt Eden is a full of gorgeous old villas and beautiful trees. Thankfully, this suburb has not been consumed by large warehouse type franchises. The little Deli up the road is chocka full of quality food – beautiful salads, cheeses and cakes. The Mt Eden café & restaurant scene has a great vibe – a buzzing welcoming place to socialise and meet up with friends. I’ve enjoyed my stay here.
Happy Christmas travelling!
