In the heart of Marlborough's wine growing area lies Old Saint Mary's Convent -- a haven for the discerning traveller, where luxury accommodation and an intimate retreat may be found. Old Saint Mary's Convent is situated on an estate of 20 acres and surrounded on all sides by the vineyards and olive groves Marlborough is famous for. Spring Creek, with its abundant bird life and trout, meanders lazily through the property. It is here, beneath Marlborough's azure sky, that one may spend a pleasant afternoon sipping local vintages and sampling the provincial gourmet fare.
Designed by Thomas Turnbull and built in 1901 for the Sisters of Mercy, the Convent was originally located next to Saint Mary's Church in Blenheim. It provided nineteen bedrooms for the nuns, a library, music room, sewing room, office and a beautiful chapel upstairs on the first floor.
ROOMS:
The Chapel Honeymoon/Executive Suite is the size of a small apartment. It epitomizes luxury with casual elegance. The large ensuite bathroom features a two-person claw bath, walk-in shower, double basins and superior toiletries. Each of the five rooms has spectacular views of the surrounding hills, vineyards and/or gardens. All have their own ensuite with bath and separate shower. The rooms are very spacious and airy with easy access to the balcony.
Essential modern conveniences, like fire protection sprinklers and a sophisticated heating and air conditioning system, are cleverly hidden behind the old ceilings, rimu panelling and timbered floors. Continental or cooked breakfast is served in the large formal dining room. The library, with its ornate Kauri fireplace and separate guest lounge, is for the exclusive use of guests. The daily tariff for two people, including breakfast and taxes, ranges from $NZ 550.00 to $NZ 750 per night.