Welcome to Stafford Villa - Luxury bed and breakfast accommodation located in the Victorian maritime suburb of Birkenhead Point, our villa is close to the water and surrounded by tropical trees and shrubs. We are just one step over the harbour bridge from Auckland city centre, a nine minute ferry ride across the water facing the downtown skyline.

Whether you are looking for accommodation for a special occasion, wedding, honeymoon, golf, wine tasting or a leisurely few days away from the hustle and bustle, at Stafford Villa you will find a place of colonial history where the past and present are delightfully blended. All our guestrooms are exquisitely furnished, have king beds and offer all the little extras to make sure your stay is one to remember. Our breakfasts are sumptuous, so leave time in the mornings to enjoy our extensive menu of New Zealand fresh fruits and produce.

Mark, a fifth generation New Zealander can assist you with whatever you may wish to do, whether it is a days fishing, a game of golf, or sailing on the harbour. As a seasoned world traveller I would be delighted to help you plan how you might enjoy our beautiful and interesting city of Auckland during your stay. We welcome you to Stafford Villa and Auckland, City of Sails.

Rooms:

Two luxury rooms, a private guest library, a sunny drawing room and conservatory.

Tuscany Summer and China Blue Suites both have bath and shower. Guests enjoy a sumptuous five course breakfast, box handmade truffles, fresh fruit and flowers, king or twin king single, oils and fragrances, tea selection, coffee, cookies, sherry and port, complimentary fast internet, daily newspaper, DVD/CD/Video Library.

The China Blue Room:

The China Blue room is designed around Chris's collection of blue and white porcelain and has more than a hint of luxury with an oriental influence. A large bedroom with an ensuite dressing area, the bedroom has access to the upper veranda looking out to the garden and Willow Bay. The antique carved mahogany four poster bed with 'ultra plush posturepedic mattress', an abundance of feather pillows, duvets, cushions, exquisite bed linen is very luxurious. A Chinese carved antique chest tucks away the TV and stereo. The luxurious en-suite dressing area includes Villeroy & Boch bathroom fittings, spa bath, large wardrobe and kauri wooden polished floors.

The Tuscany Summer Room:

The Tuscany Summer room has a large bay window looking out onto the remaining Victorian orchard with apple, fig, and plum trees. Vibrant wallpaper of orchard fruits flanked by a regency designed stripe plus dramatic red and tartan drapes pulls this room together with dramatic effect. Matching Victoria Brass bedheads create a king size bed or as twin singles, plush posturepedic mattress, exquisite linens, soft feather pillows, large antique armoire for TV and stereo. The ensuite tiled bathroom has walk-in shower and amenities.

Common Rooms:

Library is available for guests for morning coffee or pre dinner drinks, books, videos, music, magazines and complimentary access to the Internet for the traveller who wishes to work whilst away from the office or home.

Drawing Room is an elegant warm sunny room to relax and read, the large bay window overlooks the lower garden, easy access to the verandah, rose garden and alfresco dining.

The Conservatory is tucked in between the kitchen and the garden. Access to the garden is from the circular Victorian staircase. The interior walls are clad in tongue and groove panels, the windows from a demolished Victorian Villa add the charm of the Victorian era. Here you can have a romantic breakfast, afternoon tea or just relax and read.

The Garden:

The Garden and Verandah's escape to the fragrance of roses and lavender, enjoy the tranquil and private garden of New Zealand native flora and fauna and abundance of native birds. Relax in the colonial cane furniture with a good book or have a game of garden chess.

Location:

We are located in Birkenhead Point which was the first maritime suburb of Auckland. Access to the Waitemata Harbour within five minutes. The house is in a sheltered valley facing north, and runs out to Willow Bay there is an informal walking track down to the bay. Awanui Street leads down to Needles Eye a private swimming beach. We are a short stroll to cafes and restaurants, there are over 20 restaurants in the area of all nationalities. We are 10 minutes away from downtown Auckland, the Viaduct Harbour Maritime Museum and inner city shopping and restaurants. We have excellent harbour bush walk trails and excellent Harbourside Art Trails which enables you to explore the artists studios and galleries of Birkenhead and Northcote. Our local area provides:

• Parks
• Library
• Cinema
• Beaches
• Water tours
• Bridge climb
• Nature walks
• Shade and sun
• Peaceful and quiet
• Cafes and restaurants
• Sailing and water sports
• Historic colonial architecture
• Art Trails featuring local artists

Twin Coast Discovery:

Stafford Villa is the gateway to your Twin Coast Discovery Route from the North Shore. Rest after your long flight before you proceed North or on your return relax at Stafford Villa before your flight home.

History:

Stafford Villa a historic double bay villa, built at the turn of the century, is the original name of the house and has been a family home since 1903. The first owners The Hayman family purchased the house after spending some time in China and India as missionary's. It was a very lively place with seven boys, one girl and two maiden aunts! Frances Hayman, lived in the house with two of her brothers till the 1950's.

It had a chequered past for the next forty years, spilt into two flats. New owners in 1977 commenced renovations to restore the house to its full glory-reconstruction took nine years, the result is a very fine classic double bay villa with full return veranda on two levels - the verandas include 500 turned pieces of kauri! The kauri staircase which connects the upper and lower floors was rediscovered after it had been boarded up for 50 years, the house features magnificent kauri ceilings and polished floors. Stafford Villa is on the Birkenhead historic list and is grade two of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Mark and I purchased the house in March 1999. We have renovated and restored the house bringing back the style of a bygone area and adding some mod cons like central heating, state of the art security system, modern kitchen appliances, and modern bathrooms.

Mark and I both believe it is our responsibility for our grand children's heritage to retain the character of the city and ensure houses like 'Stafford Villa' are preserved for the future.

Directions:

From the Airport:

Take the motorway and exit off the harbour bridge at Stafford Road, veer right into Queen Street and sharp left into Rodney Road and continue into Council Terrace and then into Maritime Terrace. Turn left at the top into Hinemoa Street, Awanui is the second street on the left. Stafford Villa first house on left-hand corner. Coming from the North take the Onewa Road turnoff (last turn off before the Harbour Bridge) take second road on the left - Queen Street - then second road on right into Rodney Road, continue into Maritime Terrace, turn left at the top into Hinemoa Street, Awanui Street is the second street on the left. Returning, turn right from Awanui into Hinemoa, right at intersection of Maritme Terrcace follow through Maritime to Rodney Road, turn left into Queen Street, right again at traffic lights and then you can turn left onto the Northern Motorway to travel further north or straight ahead to the Southern Motorway to the airport and city.

Transport:

We can arrange a car for you from the airport with driver or self drive or you can catch a shuttle bus which will take you directly to our door. Stafford Villa is a maximum of 10 minutes to downtown Auckland and thirty minutes from Auckland International Airport outside peak traffic times.

Testimonials:

"You have made my stay very relaxing and exciting at the same time! What a gift. I hope this is just the start of a long friendship"

• Seeta Indrani (Television actress from The Bill United Kingdom)

"All the charm of your villa is from within. Thank you for an absolutely perfect end to a great stay in New Zealand, you have made this one of our most memorable times,"

• Deidre & Raymond (Ireland & Australia)

"Thanks for a wonderful, relaxing stay in New Zealand. I feel truly pampered! Hopefully I'll find a way to return soon!"

• Irene Sacharuk (Canada)