The homestay slice of life

By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE

Lynlie Watson may live in the country, but the city, and the world, come to her doorstep.

More than 18 years ago, she and husband Rick opened their modest family home, Jacaranda Cottage, on 2ha near Katikati, to paying guests.

Privately owned bed and breakfasts were few and far between in New Zealand back then. Now they are burgeoning and Mrs Watson is helping ensure the standard is suitable.

She is a co-ordinator, inspecting B&Bs for the reputable NZ Bed and Breakfast Book - the latest edition of which has 1300 listings - and for the NZ Association of Farm and Home Hosts.

In five years association membership has soared from 50 to more than 800.

Mrs Watson hopes the industry will not go from boom to bust, and cautions newcomers to do their homework.

"A lot of people leap in and find it is too much work and they are not making the money they thought they would," she says.

Those going in on a whim may be in for a rude awakening when they find out the Government and local authority regulations that apply.

Mrs Watson says hosts who live in major tourist destinations can earn a living from personalised hospitality, but those "en route" or off the beaten track are likely to find themselves with a self-supporting hobby.

That is the case with the Watsons on their rural property with its stunning views of forest and farmlands, mountain ranges and sea, 30km north of Tauranga.

Around small-town Katikati alone, there are about 24 homestays as well as three luxury lodges.

While Mr Watson continues his day job as a carpenter, his wife keeps the home fires burning, booking up about 340 bed-nights a year.

Some 45 per cent of their visitors are New Zealanders; the rest come from all around the world.

Typical of a large number of homestays struggling to make a profit, Jacaranda Cottage keeps on offering that legendary Kiwi hospitality. The Watsons have built a hillside chalet for those wanting more privacy.

"Although it is not rewarding financially, it is in many other ways," Mrs Watson says. "I love doing it and I love people."

Now in their late 50s, the couple have made many firm friends and their three children gained valuable social skills while they were growing up.

Listings in the Bed and Breakfast Book have double rooms for between $65 and $400 a night. At Jacaranda Cottage it is $80, including a full and generous breakfast with a variety of fresh, homemade produce. The cooked course may be scrambled eggs with mushrooms on the side, pipi fritters or French toast with bacon and maple syrup.

Mrs Watson is a stickler for the "little niceties," presenting food attractively and using hand-embroidered table napkins, butter knives and jam dishes.

With two restaurants now within easy reach and Katikati only 8km away, she has given up providing dinner.

Outdoors, many guests love to feed the hens and collect the eggs, hand-milk the cow or ride the horse.

"We show them a slice of our private life and very quickly they become relaxed and comfortable," she says.

As a co-ordinator, Mrs Watson advises new hosts on insurance, fire safety and other requirements. And she stresses the importance of a genuine welcome and a high standard of cleanliness.

The self-confessed "people person" worked out once that the bed and breakfast business paid her less than $2 an hour for her time and effort.

But it is a lifestyle choice she has no intention of giving up.