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Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly)

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Exterior detail
Smart TV, fireplace, books
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel cot, WiFi
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Banks Peninsula District, Christchurch
  • Port Hills
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Lyttelton Harbour
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Christchurch Gondola
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Room options

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Exterior

The Overleigh Shearers Quarters

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, (5)
The price is NZ$164
for 1 cabin
includes taxes & fees
5 Mar - 6 Mar
The Overleigh Shearers Quarters

About the area

Christchurch

A family-friendly stay in Christchurch awaits you at this cottage. You'll be steps from Port Hills and 3.9 km (2.4 mi) from Victoria Park. .Accommodation features a washing machine, a fireplace and a balcony. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a Smart TV and a hairdryer are also available.
View more Cottages in ChristchurchOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lyttelton Harbour - 12 min drive
  • Christchurch Gondola - 14 min drive
  • Hagley Park - 17 min drive
  • Christchurch Public Hospital - 18 min drive
  • Sumner Beach - 38 min drive

Getting around

  • Christchurch Railway Station - 27 min drive
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 38 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Coffee Workshop - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Coffee Culture Lyttelton - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Valley Inn Tavern - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Lyttelton Seafoods - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Emperor's New Clothes - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly)

Relax on the verandah or in the garden of this genuine colonial cottage that combines the 1840s charm of double hung sash windows and colonial architecture with comfort and style.

Quiet and private set in a lovely cottage garden in the bayside community of Governors Bay only fifteen minutes drive over the hill from Christchurch.

Smart, stylish and fresh decor, the cottage has a relaxed, comfortable vibe making it the ideal spot for a relaxing retreat.

Open plan living/dining with a log fire and heat pump, a separate lounge with full SKY channels.

Well equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, ceramic top oven, dishwasher and microwave. Basic pantry items provided.

Three bedrooms, the main bedroom has a king sized bed, twin beds in the second bedroom and the 'little' room has a 3/4 bed. Beds are made up on arrival, all linen provided. Please be aware that the only bathroom is immediately adjacent to the little bedroom which is suitable for a child or one person.

The beds all have down underlays, electric blankets and quality bedding and are very comfortable.

The bathroom has a separate toilet and shower and a claw foot bathtub with 'telephone' shower attachment.

Two room open to the patio and garden with French doors. The sun goes down on the front veranda. Weber Q BBQ on back patio

Single garage and carport, plenty of off street parking.

Complimentary WiFi.

Walk to Governors Bay Hotel, now renamed Otoromiro Hotel. Twenty minutes drive around the harbour to the vibrant port of Lyttelton and the famous Saturday Farmers Market.

The hills are covered with well marked and safe walking tracks.

The secluded location offers a range of native and exotic birds and wonderful birdsong in the morning and evening.

Extras: Linen (included); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to leave the house as you found it,

Property manager

susany614

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free internet

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage and a carport

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • In-room accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock in all accommodation.

Property is also known as

Watford Governors Bay,
Watford Cottage Governors Bay, Cottage
Watford Cottage Governors Bay, Governors Bay
Watford Cottage Governors Bay, Cottage Governors Bay

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly)?

The closest beach to Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly) is Sumner Beach (10.2 km).

Does Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly) have a pool?

Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly) has a communal pool.

Is Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly) family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a playground and a BBQ, as well as highchairs and children's books, it's no surprise that Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly) is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly)?

No, Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly) does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly)?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Watford Cottage, a peaceful sanctuary (pet friendly) Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Watford Cottage visit
We enjoyed our visit. Waking up to the dawn chorus of bird song, relaxing on the lawn in the sunshine and visiting sites around the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jerry and Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness
An Only in New Zealand Property
This was a Victorian Cottage, with beautiful gardens and a wonderful location. I loved staying in this very historic home. Far away from the maddening crowd, this was a peaceful place to spend 3 nights. The birds were our favorite entertainment. Charming Lyttleton is just a short drive down the waterfront road and Christchurch is a beautiful drive from the cottage. Lot's of room, comfortable eat-in kitchen. easy place to relax in.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacoba T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful cottage with a lovely garden
Beautiful cottage. Nicely decorated interior. Well equipped. Comfortable beds. Nice shower. Within half an hour you’re in the Centre of Christchurch. Really lovely garden. Quiet area.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Jacqueline B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect except .......
the toilet next to the third bedroom! Beautiful cottage in wonderful location. Garden exquisite. BUT, the bedroom next to the toilet allowed for no privacy whatsoever. Either recommend as a two-bedroom property, or owner should seal off the toilet entrance to the third bedroom. Thankfully, the three of us who shared the property are very close friends, but neverthless found the bathroom situation rather embarrassing and disturbing. Didn't spoil our stay but wouldn't return in view of this. Thank you for letting my dog stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kay C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Reunion
We loved the cottage . Warm Cosy and excellent hostess. Sadly no refund from the booking that went wrong for the Purau house .
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brad C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful hide away nestled in Governors Bay.
We thought the property was delightful, had great ambience, practical, had everything we needed and was conducive to relaxation and peace, romantic getaway. Delightful hide away nestled in Governors Bay. Good base to explore banks peninsular. Just what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cozy cottage
Cottage was quaint, warm and homely. Love that dogs are welcome too.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josehine&Alister C., Blenheim

Liked: Cleanliness
A country stay
A great character place to stay it had everything we needed thanks Sue
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Wright B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pet friendly stay in cute cottage
The cottage was cute and everything you needed was there including orange juice and milk. My only criticism was that the property was not fully fenced so we could not relax outside.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

david c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing place
Well resourced beautiful grounds clean and Tidy and relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

john A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquil Setting
Great place for those wanting to switch off and rest and enjoy wonderful bird life and surrounding bush landscape and a place with interesting history.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anne Kathleen L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning introduction to New Zealand
Landed in Christchurch and spent the next 4 days in this fabulous character cottage in a great vantage point for a quick introduction to the southern end of South Island. Absolutely perfect spot loved it and would go again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Cottage
This is a beautiful and charming cottage, positioned well for privacy and quiet - both the house and garden are a pleasure to be within; and there is a lovely coastal pathway nearby. I was delighted my little dog could stay here too. Many thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandy V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tasteful character cottage
Charming garden setting which in Summer would be fantastic. We enjoyed the wealth of native birds and bees making the most of the nectar from spring flowers and blossom. Well equipped kitchen, nice linen and lamps. The woodburner was a bonus enabling us to keep warm in what was a very cold damp weather event. Being able to bring our dog was a bonus. Great library of local interest areas. Enjoyed some afternoon sun in the courtyard. Close enough to the city and of course Lyttelton for eating out. Enjoyed accessing the city from the hill road. A great little cottage for a summer stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical retreat
Love this property and the area. Absolutely magical.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Craig M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint cottage surrounded by garden and bush,
Really enjoyed feeling of being in the middle of nowhere yet we were in easy distance of all we wanted to do, lively place to stay
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

alastair c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Watford cottage
great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Megan L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for our short stay
Lovely cottage and beautiful location
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

Iain L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Governors Bay
A lovely get-away-from-it-all peaceful and secluded spot. Loved the cottage garden, lovely for sitting outside on sunny days!
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anne K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint & Quirky
A cottage set in a cottage garden, comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

John T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage
Lovely cottage in private garden. Enjoyed a very comfortable stay and great to be able to take our dog along.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melissa A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing garden
The perfect place to relax. We stayed for a few days before having Xmas with family in Christchurch. Had a lovely time just relaxing in garden wit board games, having a bbq and going to Lyttleton. Very cute with lots off character and a really beautiful garden. Clean and kitchen well appointed, games and books and folder with helpful local info. Would love to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kylie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rejuvenating
Beautiful setting, gorgeous well equipped cottage with a fragrant colourful beautiful garden
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jenny F., Ashburton

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful cottage
We had a lovely break away in this delightful cottage. Excellent facilities in a quiet and peaceful setting. It was so good to be able to take our little dog on holiday with us.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Steveb M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming Little Cottage
Excellent location, about 15-20 minutes drive from Christchurch.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019