A soft landing

By JO-MARIE BROWN

Sleeping in is always a pleasure but doing so in a magnificent four-poster bed with a luxurious goose feather duvet and pillows is nothing short of heaven. From the moment guests step through Stafford Villa's elegant front door at Auckland's Birkenhead Point, they are pampered by Chris and Mark Windram.

Following our afternoon arrival, we were quickly treated to an array of miniature cheese puffs, muffins and slices - still warm from the oven - and invited to relax and chat to our hosts, who opened their boutique bed and breakfast three years ago.

A box of historical photographs sitting on the coffee table reveals that the two-storey Victorian double bay villa is 100 years old, having originally been built for a missionary family with eight children in 1903.

The Windrams have preserved the homestead's original character but have also added Oriental flair by way of Chinese prints and furnishings. Their aim, they say, is to put a little romance and luxury back into people's lives.

And the little touches found throughout the house - from handmade chocolates to silk kimonos - make you feel truly spoilt.

The "China Blue Room", Stafford Villa's main guestroom, is dominated by the carved four-poster king-sized bed.

With pillows piled high and lavender bags tucked in between them at night, climbing into bed is a real treat in itself.

French doors along one side of the room open on to a verandah which offers views across Auckland's North Shore and of ferns, palms and cabbage trees below.

The spacious en suite continues the room's china blue theme and contains all sorts of little treasures.

Aromatherapy gels and eye masks are provided, along with incense sticks, bath oils, moisturisers, old-fashioned soaps, and an ample supply of fluffy towels and bathrobes.

The large spa bath is irresistible, and at night an enormous candle is lit to tempt you back in for one last soak.

Across the hall, the "Tuscany Summer Room" is just as inviting. The cast-iron bed-head is set dramatically against bright wallpaper, and the sunlit room smells faintly of apricots.

While it is the perfect place to unwind and forget about the outside world, downtown Auckland is just a short trip over the harbour bridge or a ferry ride away.

A five-minute stroll to Hinemoa Park and Birkenhead's wharf provides a wonderful view of a city which has a countless number of visitor attractions.

For us, Stafford Villa was a destination in itself, and the lavish breakfast (served either in bed or in the tranquil garden room) was so filling it required a lie-down afterwards.

Platters of spicy plums, fresh pineapple and strawberries, pears poached in manuka honey syrup, and freshly baked muffins had already been laid out on the table before we were seated.

A range of breads, cereals and juices were also on offer. Menus rolled up and tied with beautiful tassels asked us to choose between a host of cooked dishes, including kumara and potato cakes, eggs benedict and vanilla french toast.

Stafford Villa is pure indulgence and our only complaint was that one night's stay was simply not long enough to enjoy all that it has to offer.


Stafford Villa

2 Awanui St, Birkenhead Point, Auckland

Ph: (09) 418 3022

fax: (09) 419 8197

email: rest@staffordvilla.co.nz

WHAT IT COSTS

There is a special rate for the Perfect Christmas Gift voucher which costs $295.

The voucher offers a night for two people at Stafford Villa and includes a bottle of wine, handmade chocolates, fruits, flowers, handmade toiletries and breakfast.

Standard room rate is $300 a night for two, including breakfast.

ACCESS: No wheelchair access

SMOKING: Outside only

PETS ON SITE

A small friendly dog named Poppy, and Daisy the cat.

CHILDREN

Children are welcome if Stafford Villa is booked for a group or family's exclusive use.

ENTERTAINMENT

A stereo and video player is provided in each guestroom and Stafford Villa's library has an ample supply of CDs, books and videos. A laptop computer with free internet access is also provided.