A gateway to relaxation

By HEATHER RAMSAY

The satisfying crunch of pebbles under car wheels announces our arrival at the Gatehouse in Wellington's Lowry Bay. We have time to note the well-maintained formal garden with its neatly trimmed hedges and tinkling water-feature before host Lisa Andrew appears to greet us.

She is carrying a plate of home baking, which I surreptitiously note holds afghans and shortbread, so I'm hoping it's for us. It is, and Lisa's baking turns out to be one of the many thoughtful extras provided during our stay.

After showing us in, Lisa withdraws to the main house, but she is on call if we need anything. It's an ironic twist that the lady of the house is there to do our bidding, because the Gatehouse was once the home of the housekeeper and gardener who looked after the big house.

Lowry Bay is an established suburb in Wellington's eastern bays. In the early 20th century it was the city's beach playground and affluent citizens built elegant homes under the hillside, establishing spacious grounds reminiscent of English country estates.

The Gatehouse is on one of these grand properties, and sympathetic renovations have retained its character while adding a stylish, contemporary edge that pays attention to small details.

Despite regularly staying away from home, I still have that childish urge to rush around and check out everything on offer, so once we are alone, I investigate thoroughly.

I switch on the groovy coffee percolator with its glass top because good baking deserves to be accompanied by fine coffee, and I note that the kitchen cupboards are stocked with other temptations.

There are dozens of CDs, and on top of the DVD collection sits a packet of Jaffas, ready for late-night viewing.

In the bathroom, a slice of hand-wrapped, green and purple apple and pomegranate soap looks so good that I'm not sure whether to eat it or wash with it. After trying one of the locally made body lotions, I want to stay longer so I can try them all.

Upstairs is a quiet reading nook, and a terrace overlooking a neat vegetable garden. Chocolates on the bed are nestled in a crafty little box that Lisa has made, and among the cushions is a lavender-filled sachet, which I commandeer for my side of the bed.

The discovery of luxurious robes in the wardrobe caps a plan that has been formulating in my mind and, although it is only mid-afternoon, I know exactly how we will spend our time here.

First, drink the coffee and eat some baking. Then explore the leafy suburb and wander to the bay and along the shore. Come back and relax with a book, either on the sunny window seat or in the reading nook. Shower and change, making sure to use plenty of luscious toiletries, then go to the village and dine at a restaurant.

Come home, slip into the robes, snuggle up on the comfy couches, and eat Jaffas while watching a movie. Lastly, retire to the huge bed and slip into a rejuvenating sleep, soothed by the scent of lavender.

That's exactly what we do, and in the morning Lisa arrives to serve a full breakfast that starts with freshly squeezed orange juice and pears served in syrup scented with cardamom.

The garden provides the ingredients for jams and jellies, and as we leave Lisa presents us with a bottle of homemade lemon cordial.

Like the cordial, our stay was deliciously sweet and sour. Sweet because everything was just right, and sour because it was far too brief.

* Heather Ramsay was hosted by the Gatehouse

Where to find it

The Gatehouse, 57 Cheviot Rd, Lowry Bay, Wellington

Ph: (04) 568 7600; 021 527 600, Fax: (04) 568 7601

Email: thegatehouse@xtra.co.nz

Qualmark rating Five stars

Getting there

Airport 25-30 minutes (airport pick-up can be arranged)

Wellington City Centre 15-20 minutes by car

Wellington City 20 minutes on Day's Bay ferry

Clear instructions on their website.

What it costs

$295 a night for two, includes breakfast. Two-night minimum may apply at peak times.

Children Children over 8 welcome. There is a pull-out sofa.

Wheelchairs Not suitable

Smoking Outside only

Dining

Well-equipped kitchen, dine at a restaurant in the village or head into Wellington.

What to do

Swimming, fishing or boating in the bay, bush or waterfront walks, ferry or drive to Wellington city.