Elm Tree House, Christchurch

Elm Tree House is a distinctive hosted-villa choice - a superb Arts and Crafts influenced house 15 minutes walk from Christchurch’s Cathedral Square and steps away from the trendy shops, cafes and restaurants of Merivale.

New Zealander owners Karen and Allan Scott began their bed and breakfast careers on the edge of the Cotswolds in Britain and love to share their international experiences: they’ll also gladly help you plan your time with them, whether close by at the city’s magnificent new art gallery or further afield, perhaps in French Akaroa or whale watching at Kaikoura.

Each of the double-glazed bedrooms has a charming heritage colour scheme, while the Honeymoon suite is paneled in native timbers – even the ceiling. Everywhere there is the glow of polished copper and brass, particularly in the bathrooms. Look carefully and you’ll find old washstands and other heritage fittings have been incorporated too.

In the best tradition of great family houses, a continental or full breakfast is served at a single big table in a dining room separated by beautiful sliding leadlight doors from the distinctively decorated ‘English club’ style lounge. Everywhere you’ll find exceptional timber details, the signature of the England Brothers who built Elm Tree House in 1920. But don’t think everything is traditional or conventional. Pride of place goes to a multi-coloured Wurlizter jukebox on which you can play hits of the 60’s and 70s without spending a cent. As you relax you’ll find other points of interest: there’s a trunk of book swaps, Karen collects pretty Carlton Ware and Allan, once responsible for designing and making racing engines for Jaguar and thus for famous wins at Le Mans and Daytona, has made up a fascinating display of racing car memorabilia.

The eponymous weeping elm stands high in the garden, which features a formal outside terrace opening off the lounge and dining room. If you are there in winter a huge fireplace of pink pumice and local blue granite makes the perfect focus for relaxation.

Elm Tree House offers unique hosted- villa accommodation in one of Christchurch’s smartest areas just 15 minutes walk from Cathedral Square: it’s the perfect base for those who want to explore this most English of New Zealand cities by day and stroll to recommended restaurants by night.

Elm Tree House is Qualmark 5 star rated and a member of Heritage and Character Inns, rates include a full breakfast and a New Zealand wine and cheese plate early evening start from $235 to $325 inclusive GST per couple. Dinner is not available but just a few minutes walk is an abundance of Christchurch restaurants.

Elm Tree House
Karen and Allen Scott
236 Papanui Road
Merivale
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND
.
Directions to Property:
From the NORTH – Stay on the Main Rd. into Christchurch, do not take the CITY 74. Pass the Northlands Mall and continue down Papanui Rd.
From the SOUTH - At large roundabout veer left into Riccarton Rd. and follow to Hagley Park. Turn left and follow Park around to the right, over small bridge, 150 metres to Papanui Rd on the left.
From the WEST – Road Veers left into Riccarton Rd. and follow as SOUTH.

Web Site.
Elm Tree House is a superb Historic Places listed Arts and Crafts influenced house.
Well located just 15 minutes drive from the Airport and Trans Rail Station, 2kms from Cathedral Square and Hagley Park, and a 4 minute walk to many fine restaurants and shops.
Each of our 6 bedrooms have Heritage themes and include Queen, King or Super king beds with private ensuite bathrooms.

We have been awarded a Qualmark 5 star rating and world wide selection in Frommers, Fodors [USA] Roughguide [UK] Petit Fute [France] Lonely Planet [Germany] guide books.
New Zealanders, Karen and Allan have been hosting