A Taupo lakeside retreat

By MEGAN SINGLETON*

If I had stretched out my legs I probably would have been able to twinkle my toes in the cool waters of the lake from where I was sitting. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but that's the feeling you get relaxing on the patio at Beside the Lake, a B&B with a name that leaves nothing to the imagination.

As its name suggests, it is just a stone's throw from the shingly edge of Lake Taupo.

With no obvious boundary and a patio that is flush with the grassy Rainbow Point Reserve, you get the feeling of freedom and openness - nature just seems to flow through the property.

Willow trees dot the water's edge beside a brick path that meanders around the lake all the way from town as far as Wharewaka at Four Mile Bay.

Few people use the path, and if they do it's usually just the locals, with children chattering and laughing as they cycle by. It is a far cry from other sunbathing and water skiing areas along the lake front, helped by the fact that the path is almost hidden down Chad St's quiet cul-de-sac.

Roger and Irene Foote built their lakeside retreat to take advantage of the picturesque setting. French doors open towards the lake from the bedrooms, dining room and kitchen. Outside, chairs invite guests to sit around a table and while away the evening or enjoy alfresco dining.

The retired couple moved to Taupo three years ago after taking their holidays in the area for 30 years.

They started by running a small B&B from their home, not far from where Beside the Lake sits.

It was Sunday afternoon when I arrived. Roger showed me to the garage where I parked just short of a bright orange golf ball dangling in front of my windscreen - he had done his maths so my bumper didn't hit the wall. The remote control for the garage door doubled as my key to the house.

My room on the ground floor was a spacious super-king with comfy pillows, air-conditioning unit and en-suite bathroom. A sideboard with cups, saucers and a kettle stood on one side of the room under a throw to keep dust and insects off. And if I got tired of the view there was a TV, but it had clearly had little use.

French doors draped in dreamy chiffon opened on to the reserve, and about 30m away the lake lapped the shore. But I only had time to jump through the shower before meeting friends in town for dinner.

Breakfast was to be a substantial affair. Anything I wanted.

Americans tend to go for muffins and the English usually like bacon and eggs, says Irene. I opted for the continental - complete with homemade bread, muesli, fruit, yoghurt and coffee. Glorious.

Irene and I met for the most important meal of the day at 9am next morning. The setting was idyllic as she talked about previous guests such as painters and photographers who frequently visited to capture the views, watch sunlight dance on the lake and reflect off Mt Ruapehu.

* Megan Singleton was hosted by Beside the Lake.

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