What's so good about this place? It's partly the calming solidity of the building itself — a classic 1920s homestead with a wrap-around verandah and enormous living spaces — but it's also the natural furnishings, original art and little touches like bedside reading, an excellent iPad-driven sound system and the sheltered outdoor eating area. It's opulence without ostentation; the kind of grand design that works with leggings and a book by the fireplace, or champagne and diamonds in the formal dining room. (Yes, there is space to land your helicopter).
And the bad? There was no hook in the bathroom for my face cloth. That is all.
What's in the neighbourhood? Peace, quiet and two kune kune pigs called Rosie and Digby. Blenheim town centre is just 5 minutes away; a 15-minute drive will put you in the heart of Marlborough wine and food country. Rowley's two-day package includes drop-off and pick-up for a self-guided bicycle ride through the Wairau Valley.
Toiletries: Green tea and geranium-scented Nellie Tier — an Auckland-based skincare brand created by two former art gallerists. I discovered later that Claire is a former Miss Universe New Zealand. This is a woman who can be trusted to choose good toiletries.
Food and drink: Forage at Blenheim's Sunday farmer's market, make some cellar door purchases on the way home and then go full masterchef in the enormous farmhouse kitchen. Claire leaves a basket of fresh pastries and bread at the back door every morning and there are eggs in the pantry and bacon and fresh juice in the fridge. The fruit bowl is a work of art and, sadly, we didn't realise the cookie jar was full until our final day. Also, we should have skipped lunch on Saturday, because Claire popped over mid-afternoon with methode champenoise and a glorious platter of local cheese, charcuterie, salmon and homestead-made relishes.
The bed: A sumptuous cocoon.
A room with a view? Gardens, mountains, grapevines.
Bathroom: Our enormous ensuite came with a deep, free-standing bath but we ducked into the guest bathroom down the hall for showers (double, rainhead).
Free Wi-Fi? Yes, but if you use it to check your work emails you have completely missed the point.
Noise: Depends how loudly you lose at petanque. (There is the occasional car sound but the real world really is far, far away).
Room service: This is more like a home than a hotel so there's no "press 0 for reception" (though you get the feeling Claire could probably organise anything).
Exercise facilities: And breathe. The great outdoors are, well, just out the door.
Perfect for: #squadgoals. Assuming your squad have disposable income and excellent taste in food, wine and home furnishings. Rowley offers wedding packages, but I'm imagining special birthday weekends or multi-generational family reunions with brunches around the farmhouse kitchen table and dressed-up evening feasts in the gigantic formal dining room.
The bottomline: The brochure promises "casual luxury" and Rowley absolutely delivers.
