Stafford Villa, Auckland, New Zealand
Stafford Villa is a true treasure amongst hosted villas, hidden away in leafy Birkenhead Point, just across the bridge from Auckland City. Chris and Mark Windram are as famous for their sumptuous breakfasts as for the stars who choose Stafford Villa over everywhere else Auckland has to offer – Joan Collins and Catherine Oxenburg are just two who have been guests.
Built for a missionary and his family who had worked in India and China, the grand, balconied two-story house is furnished and run to the highest international standards. Fresh flowers and handmade chocolates, luxurious spa and bathroom products ensure guests have that international level of comfort: you only have to run your hands over the properly laundered and starched cotton bed linen to know they have succeeded.
You’ll be welcomed with drinks in the upper floor library. A three-master model there is one of the ship’s Mark’s Liverpool family once owned, and the unusual brass-bound desk is a copy of Napoleon’s campaign desk. The three generously sized and ebulliently furnished bedrooms are all on this floor, and each has an en-suite. Downstairs the drawing room opens onto a dining room, both rooms embracing havens furnished with luscious paprika, buttermilk and pale yellow fabrics plus Chris’s fascinating oriental collectibles. Then on through the kitchen, which still has its original coal range, into the small gothic conservatory and down double-spiral staircases to serene gardens on several levels, so you can always find a peaceful retreat, in sun or shade.
As a haven where you are also welcome to entertain friends and guests, Stafford Villa is without peer: evening meals can be ordered in and drinks parties easily arranged. There’s a ferry wharf a few minutes walk away, for the short ride across the harbour to Downtown Auckland. Once there you are minutes from the Viaduct Harbour and the vibrant life of New Zealand’s biggest city. Sail to Waiheke Island to explore its extraordinary wines and olive oils: dine at Orbit, the revolving restaurant atop the Sky City Tower and Casino – perhaps even visit one of Auckland’s fascinating weekend markets, see a live show or fossick in antique shops.
Stafford Villa is a truly unique hosted villa, enthusiastically run to international standards, with sumptuous breakfasts - and outstanding sheets.
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Owners: Chris and Mark Windram
Open Since: 36557
We Accept: Mastercard, Visa, Diner's Club and American Express
Price Range: Check with owner as prices may vary
Travel Agent Commission Offered: 10
Inncentives™ Discount for InnSite Users: Discount of 10% to InnSite members
No. of Rooms With Private Bath: two
No. of Rooms With Shared Bath: None
Dates Closed, if Any: Open all year
Location: In city, Near beach, In suburbs and On wooded site
Amenities: Telephone in room, Television in room, Television in parlor, VCR, Antiques, Down comforters, Canopy beds, Sitting room/library, Full breakfast, Continental breakfast, Picnic baskets, Patio, Balcony, Room with scenic view, Private porch, Picnic grounds, Designated smoking, Children possible, Meeting rooms/facilities, Croquet, Laundry facilities, Therapeutic massage, Brass beds, In-room or on-deck coffee/tea service, Evening dessert/cordials/hors d'oeuvres, Coffee and tea tray in bed before breakfast, Limited handicapped/wheelchair access, Other meals upon special request, Cats in residence and Discounts/specials available
Sight-Seeing: Museum, Art galleries and Historical site/district
Water Sports: Sailboat rentals, Swimming and Fishing charters
Other Sports: Golf and Tennis
Out In The Town: Antique shops/malls, Espresso bars, Shopping district, Casino gambling, Theatre and Movie cinemas
Out In Nature: Hiking trails, Parks, Gardens/arboretum, Nature preserves, Birdwatching and Beach
Rides & Tours: Winery tours, Whale watching and City tours
Memberships: (* = organization inspected the inn, + = organization is PAAAC approved)
Fodor's, * Fodor's, * Frommer's, Frommer's, Historic Places Trust, * Historic Places Trust, * Quakmark 5 star, * Boutigue Lodgings, * Intimate New Zealand, * Friars, * New Zealand Historic Places Trust, * Heritage and Character Inns NZ
Area Attractions:
Nature Walks, Artist Trials, Waitemata Harbour, Maritime Museum, Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb, Yachting
These recreational facilities and attractions are all within 3-5 miles of Stafford Villa.
Auckland Bed and BreakfastNew Zealand Bed and Breakfast
