Raglan
Raglan is situated on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, 150km south west of Auckland. An idilic creative sea side community of around 2000 locals and long term internationals, on the door step of New Zealand’s best surf break.
Raglan Farmstay
Raglan Farmstay offers unique quality bed and breakfast accommodation in the relaxed natural environment of Te Whare Farm. Te Whare Farm is located on the edge of Raglan township, directly in front of the 50km sign as you arrive, and only a 10 min walk into town. Amazing rural and harbor views, where the massive out door living area gives you a picture perfect view of the sun setting across the estuary and behind Mt Karioi.
The 1920’s farmhouse* has been lovingly restored and renovated over the past 6 months. Specific attention has been paid to restoring the old matai floorboards, and creating an indoor outdoor flow. There is a focus on sustainable furnishings using recycled, restored & sustainable materials, fused together to create a timeless sense of home and relaxation. Each room has been designed with personal touches and features to offer our guests a boutique accommodation experience.
With a nod to the past, the gardens will be brought back to life over the coming months with extensive planting of organic food crops, and landscaping around our fruit laden trees to create a tranquil hideaway.
*Although the original house was lost to fire, the site on which the current farm house stands, was one of the first homes built in the region, hence the name “Te Whare” meaning “The House”. Once being home to the brother of Lord Ernest Rutherford, who’s initials can still be found etched into a small hut next to the house.
Your Hosts
Kelly & Adam are both extensive travelers, and know the importance of a good nights sleep, and a delicious start to the day. Kelly is a born and bread Raglan local lass, who met her Irish man Adam when he was passing through Raglan a few years back and decided to stay – like so many of Raglans adopted locals. With the type of local knowledge only gained through experience, we can give an insight to life on the west coast and a door to the international creative community that live in Raglan.
If your here during the height of summer your likely to meet Te Whare Farm’s flamboyant owner, Christopher David. A Berlin based curator, who when visiting his native New Zealand for the first time in many years, was overwhelmed by the restoration and fresh creative energy he received from spending a few months in Raglan. Wanting to somehow combine his two homes, Christopher saw his chance in Te Whare Farm. With a passion for the Arts, organic food production and sustainable architecture, he looked for ways to combine these. A call to two lovers riding their bikes in Dublin city, and plans began to take shape. Many emails and Skype calls later, here we are with Raglan Farmstay. A work in progress, and a work we want to share with you.
Sustainability
Sustainable living is a big part of the community ethos in Raglan, and Te Whare Farm aims to learn, practice, promote & educate in all aspects of sustainability. In the first season, we will start by introducing sustainability into the day to day running of the Farmstay (including the production of the organic vegie gardens – yum!). Over the next year we will broaden into researching new sustainable building practices, to incorporate into further accommodation. Our aim is to bring people together to share ideas and inform each other of developments in how to reduce our impact on the environment.
Creative
The Creative community in Raglan is well established, with many artists from NZ and around the world, calling Raglan home. It also plays host to a long list of visiting musicians who pass through every summer to relax and play smaller more intimate concerts.A strong base of local artisan products & crafts are on display at the local market that reflect raglans connection to eco friendly living and sustainable living ideas, that has long been a pillar of the community. At Te Whare Farm we want to reflect this and during your stay, you will notice the local art works inhabiting the spaces, alongside international works.Te Whare Farm also boasts a large art studio in the Barn, which will be used to host the Raglan Artist Residency program, beginning in March 2012 with visiting artists from around the world coming to stay for a 3 to 4 month period. The Barn can also double as a performance space for both theater and music making it perfect for small events.