In pastures green in Cambridge

By SUE HOFFART*

As a humid dusk gathers and Huntington Stables draws near, the past 48 hours are catching up with us. We have a couple of sleepless nights, too much driving and two huge working days under our belts.

What's more, I am relying on my husband's dubious navigational skills to negotiate this last part of the journey from the edge of Cambridge township, past the pricey homes and groomed lifestyle blocks that pock the lush, rolling Waikato farmland. Given Marty's map-reading track record, I fear we may never reach our beds.

By the time we swing into the driveway, we are weary, hot and the red-faced baby in the back seat is howling. Immediately, hosts Colin and Carol Townshend realise what they are dealing with.

"Come on," Colin says once they have extended a warm welcome, "we'll show you to your room and leave you to it." It turns out that Colin's extensive work-related travels are part of the inspiration behind Huntington Stables - he always wished he could stay in a place just like this.

Beyond the white standard roses in the driveway, I dopily register the solid timber building that houses two self-contained suites, with the owners' house to one side. Wearily, we mount steps and skirt the inviting swimming pool outside our door before the reality of the "south stable" is revealed.

Even though I have already scoured the website, scanned the brochures and engaged Carol in several phone conversations, I am unprepared for this. I suspect I am gaping.

The suite has all the style of a glossy design magazine (there is a stack of those in one corner), with the warmth of natural fibres and timbers. And the place smells and sounds good, too. When we arrive, something soothing is coming from the CD player, and a gigantic vase of lilies scents the stunning kitchen-living area.

"Please," Carol says before leaving, "tell us if there is anything at all that you need or want, and come on over if you feel like a glass of wine."

Over the course of two days, we discover this delightful, generous, laid-back couple have managed to think of things we didn't even know we wanted.

Every detail that may enhance our stay is miraculously provided, including pink and gold sunsets and country quiet, even the favourite new Bic Runga CD that we'd accidentally left at home.

Everything has been carefully and thoughtfully chosen, from the luxurious, monogrammed bathrobes to soft lighting.

There are exquisite homemade soaps and candles and a bottle of locally produced lavender bubblebath to complement the clawfoot bathtub, which looks deep enough to require its own lifeguard.

Beautiful linens envelop the king-sized bed and, when we return on our second day, we find pillows daubed with lavender oil and topped with handmade chocolates that Carol buys from a Swiss sweet-maker in the South Island.

Summer heat stirred by an overhead fan completes the illusion that we have somehow slipped away from the mundane into a beautiful, rather exclusive resort. And where the ocean should be, our deck looks out on a sea of green Waikato pasture.

This place is heaven for foodies, too, despite the fact that meals are not provided. A glass bowl full of fat strawberries sits atop the two-person table and the large kitchen island is half-covered by a huge basket stuffed with fresh fruit, chocolates, pistachios and cashews and crackers.

Aside from sleek stainless steel appliances, we discover cupboards filled with stemware and handmade crockery. The fridge and pantry groan with gourmet goodies that include three kinds of fresh berries, juice, deli goods, preserves, breads, good coffee, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and Carol's delicious homemade organic muesli.

When we, like many of our predecessors, decide to forgo dinner out and dig into the free-range eggs, bacon and sausages, a bunch of asparagus materialises, along with a couple of fresh sweetcorn cobs. Wine from Colin's extensive cellar is available to buy but everything else is included in the room price. BYO wine is also welcome.

* Sue Hoffart was a guest of Huntington Stables.

Case notes:


Where to find it:


Huntington Stables retreat accommodation is at 106 Maungakawa Rd (PO Box 177, RD 4), Cambridge. Ph (07) 823 4120, fax 07 823 4126, mob 0274 411 425, hunt.stables@xtra.co.nz


Getting there:


Hamilton Airport is less than 20 minutes away. The accommodation is 3km from central Cambridge, off SH1, about half an hour from Hamilton, an hour's drive from Tauranga and Rotorua and 1 1/2 hours from Auckland or Taupo.

What it costs:


Tariffs range from $290-$390/night/studio (high season runs from Labour weekend to Easter) and include accommodation, full breakfast provisions and Hamilton Airport transfers if required. The rate is GST inclusive.

What to see:


Maungakawa Scenic Reserve, just up the road, offers bush walks and scenic views. Cambridge is known for its grand old trees, antiques and the top horse studs that surround it. Nearby, Lake Karapiro is a watersports hot spot.

Smoking:


Smoking is not permitted in rooms but ashtrays are provided on decks.

Access:


The studios are not wheelchair accessible.

Advisory:


Huntington Stables is designed primarily as a romantic adult getaway, and guests' peace and privacy is paramount. The Townshends have gone to spectacular lengths to ensure sound proofing between the units, including separate water and drainage systems. Guests have exclusive use of the pool and sauna. While the hosts warn the swimming pool may present a hazard to children, they can cater for families, providing a portacot, rollaway beds and treats for their small guests.

www.huntington.co.nz