Secret luxury hideaways in Auckland

By GERALDINE McMANUS

Many of Auckland's gracious old homes are getting a revamp. Refreshed and reinvigorated, the mansions of early merchants are once again standing tall and proud with a new group of enterprising occupants.

The number of places offering bed and breakfast accommodation throughout New Zealand is growing. International travellers are setting the example by seeking out unique accommodation, but many are a secret to New Zealanders.

But this is changing. Relaxing with a small number of other guests in a sort of house-party atmosphere creates a chance to meet and talk.

"I find the appeal for a lot of guests is getting to meet the other people - there are usually some really fascinating discussions going on over the breakfast table," says Jeanette Forder, of Mangawhai Lodge B&B.

And breakfast is a cause for celebration - many guests opt for a sumptuous breakfast as a special treat and a great start to the day.

The boom in the growth of boutique inns and bed and breakfasts is adding style to the coveted homes of yesteryear.

While many homes being converted are character heritage villas there are also new, purpose-built inns. New Zealanders returning from overseas are buying town and country homes for conversion, or designing up-to-the-minute lodges and homes.

International guests demand a high standard. New B&B and historic boutique inns are furnished luxuriously with top-quality linen and bedding. Often owners will add a personal touch to the interiors with special collections or design delightful gardens and spaces that exude charm, comfort and relaxation.

Many New Zealanders have experienced the pleasure of staying in English and Irish B&Bs, which have been a main form of accommodation for years. In Kiwi style we are doing it better. We take great pride in our homes and gardens and New Zealanders are hospitable. They enjoy meeting people and going the extra mile for guests.

"One of the delights of running a bed and breakfast is the diverse range of interesting people you meet from all walks of life and different parts of the world as well as New Zealand. You end up learning lots about different countries, customs and people generally," says Forder.

"I've been here for just over five years and get a lot of referrals from past guests. One couple from Wales came to stay on the recommendation of the woman's hairdresser who had been here. It's sometimes like being a friend of the family because there is already a connection when the guests arrive."

Her two-storeyed B&B lodge has five bedrooms opening on to a verandah, with spectacular sea views. An easy drive from Auckland, its guests include those escaping the city for R&R, golf, walks and unwinding.

Peter Mony, owner of the Devereux in Remuera, agrees. "You are always meeting people under circumstances that bring out the best in them - relaxed, excited and on holiday in a beautiful part of the world. Their excitement rubs off on us."

Large families and wealthy merchants built the heritage Auckland houses that are now too expensive to keep as family homes. The Devereux is one of the boutique inns transformed from such a home. Built for a large family, it has 12 guest rooms.

The big entertaining areas include what was originally a ballroom for parties and dances and a large entry hall with a grand staircase.

"We are the first owners of the Devereux to research the history of the house. And what a rich history it has been. It is quite special and was really exciting as it unravelled. It still is," says Mony.

The Devereux, Cotter House and Devonport Villa Inn B&Bs are just three of the lovely old family homes that have been converted. They are part of a grouping of accommodation called Selections NZ Bed & Breakfast Accommodation. A free guidebook allows people to uncover the hidden secret of bed and breakfasts through the country or perhaps plan a house and garden tour.

* Selections NZ Bed & Breakfast Collection

email: bnb@selections.co.nz

* The Devereux

email: info@devereux.co.nz

* Mangawhai Lodge

email: mlodge@xtra.co.nz

* Next week Travel Herald begins a series on the best B&Bs and boutique accommodation in New Zealand. "Weekender" will offer destinations and accommodation for that ideal retreat away from it all.