Mid Century Retreat Whanganui

20/03/2022

27/01/2022

27/11/2021

A small city denoted to design . Go Whanganui! https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2018822307/hamish-mcdouall-whanganui-an-international-city-of-design

It's only small, but as a city Whanganui is rich in design. This month the city was announced as New Zealand's only UNESCO City of Design, one of 40 such cities worldwide. Hamish McDouall has been Whanganui mayor since 2016 and vice president of Local Government New Zealand since July 2020, represen...

27/11/2021

Another terrific reason to Visit Med Century Retreat Whanganui

Tim Roxborogh discovers the natural charms of Whanganui.

21/11/2021

Whanganui becomes New Zealand's only UNESCO City of Design
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300450072/whanganui-becomes-new-zealands-only-unesco-city-of-design

The accreditation recognises the city’s historic and contemporary contributions to art and creativity.

19/11/2021

For lovers of modernist design and mid-century architecture, this unique, 1963 modernist home in Whanganui, NZ is available on Airbnb. Stay in a beautifully preserved home and discover why the area is attracting creatives from all over New Zealand.

This stunning property comes with Superhost status and everything you need close by.

Guest review, “Have spent a lifetime travelling, this gorgeous, authentic mid-century home is just one of those standout discoveries as a place to stay. Beautifully positioned, designed and maintained. Spent much of my time just staring at it! Lots of little touches were provided by the hosts to make a guest welcome. Very restful ambience also.”

Mid-Century Retreat in Whanganui, New Zealand. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/10144813?source_impression_id=p3_1637277411_PM1Q9eKsydcMEaZo&guests=1&adults=1

19/11/2021

You’ll love some of the quirky pieces we have around the place. Attentively cared for, it is a home away from home. It was a big call to leave Whanganui, the city has a beautiful energy about it. If you need some tips on places to go, see our earlier posts on here or get in touch!

Guest review, “The house is absolutely beautiful - great location, amazing view, clean and cosy! We only had one night, but I would have loved to stay longer. Would recommend this place any day! Michael is really good at communicating and directing his guest. Check-in was very easy and the directions we were given were spot on. One of the best Airbnb houses I have ever stayed in. Thank you!”

This unique property in Whanganui NZ is available to rent on Airbnb. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/10144813?source_impression_id=p3_1637277411_PM1Q9eKsydcMEaZo&guests=1&adults=1

19/11/2021

Our unique, beautiful, seduced, leafy, inner-city property was once our home. Now available for rent on Airbnb, we love sharing its unique qualities with others. Built in 1963 it is one of the properties that put NZ modernist design on the international map.

Guest review, "Very spacious and unique. Beautiful furniture and decor. Comfy beds. Everything we needed and more was provided. Great location. A special place to stay indeed.”

Based in Whanganui. Here's the Airbnb link: https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/10144813?source_impression_id=p3_1637277411_PM1Q9eKsydcMEaZo&guests=1&adults=1

19/11/2021

Original modernist design runs throughout the property. From furniture to unique sculptures and art. The house was built for the notable Hatrick Family in 1963. The famous NZ architects, Don Wilson and Eddie Belchambers, were influenced by the Hungarian-born modernist architect and furniture designer, Marcel Breuer.

Based in Whanganui. See the Airbnb link on our bio for more details.

Guest review, “We had a fabulous stay at this very authentic and beautifully furnished home. The location is wonderful, close to town but so private with beautiful gardens and abundant birdlife. Great heating and a perfect set-up with private bathrooms for each of the 2 bedrooms. Highly recommended!”

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/10144813?source_impression_id=p3_1637277411_PM1Q9eKsydcMEaZo&guests=1&adults=1

19/11/2021

We fell in love with the property’s many quirky touches, and all in true modernist form. Once our home, this is a very comfortable and stylish mid-century property. It's neat and quirky, with a number of original pieces. Set up for a luxury holiday to socialise and relax.

Guest review, “We loved this authentic '60's place. Completely unique and very spacious. Great terrace/balcony and it's an ideal base for exploring Whanganui.”

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/10144813?source_impression_id=p3_1637277411_PM1Q9eKsydcMEaZo&guests=1&adults=1

19/11/2021

For what to do and see around Whanganui see some of our earlier posts. There are amazing walks all around the area. As a suggestion, start with Virginia Lake (5 minutes away), the Wetlands across the road and through the Sisters of Mercy, or walk to the town centre along the lovely Somme Parade in 30 minutes. In the town centre, you'll find galleries, cafes and shops.

Back at home, the leafy garden attached has contemplation areas, topiary areas and is surrounded by beautiful oak trees that were planted at the turn of the century.

We hope you enjoy staying here as much as we do. It’s a magical place.

Guest review, "Michael has a very artistic, vintage and well-kept home up the hill and near the lake. We were given very clear instructions about how to check-in, use the fire place, among other things which made our short stay here easy and enjoyable. Whanganui is an arty city and Michael’s home is a lovely expression of that.”

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/10144813?source_impression_id=p3_1637277411_PM1Q9eKsydcMEaZo&guests=1&adults=1

19/11/2021

We have kept the internal and external as original as possible. Our project is the preservation of NZ mid-century homes. Check out our other property, 'The Butterfly House' in Thames, at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula on Airbnb. Link below...

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/48494797?source_impression_id=p3_1630982329_SXI25xycW0ECcnJQ&guests=1&adults=1&modal=DESCRIPTION

# coromandelpeninsula

19/11/2021

If you choose to stay at our mid-century retreat in Whanganui, be sure to explore the gardens; pathways run all over the generous property. Plus, enjoy the deck, BBQ and contemplation areas.

Guest review, “A true experience. Felt like being taken back in time or like being on set for Mad Men. Fascinating is also the artwork on exhibit and the fireplace adds warmth and comfort.”

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/10144813?source_impression_id=p3_1637277411_PM1Q9eKsydcMEaZo&guests=1&adults=1

19/11/2021

Our Mid-Century Retreat is for those appreciative of good design. On top of that, this is a very spacious but cosy home in Whanganui NZ. Located in St Johns Hill you’ll find everything you need close by. We aim to provide guests with ample detail in the lead up to their visit, but you’re always welcome to get in touch.

Guest review, “Fantastic place to stay which has everything you need and is in a great location. Handy to the city and an easy walk to Lake Virginia. We loved having plenty of space with each bedroom having its own bathroom, and the interesting art adorning the space. Michael provides thorough instructions and his house is exceptional value for money.”

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/10144813?source_impression_id=p3_1637277411_PM1Q9eKsydcMEaZo&guests=1&adults=1

19/11/2021

After the market, take a wander up the very cool Drew’s Ave, picking up a coffee on route at Article. Brown & Co lighting and design store is a space for the creative arts to meet and for people to purchase exclusive works from designer NZ artists, handpicked by Katie Brown because of their uniqueness, rich aesthetic and high quality.

http://www.brownandco.nz/

19/11/2021

The Whanganui River Markets includes both The River Traders and Whanganui Farmers Markets Every Saturday 8.30 am until 1pm on the downtown riverbank. Duke's Dog Daycare, Devine Treats, and Bestowed Brunch are some of the many amazing stallholders.

Whanganui River Markets

19/11/2021

Whanganui River Markets -- Open every Saturday at 8.30am -1.00pm, Taupō Quay. The Whanganui River is the backdrop to well over 100 stalls providing an array of local food producers in the Farmers Market section, alongside an eclectic mix of collectors of vintage and retro, makers of art and traditional crafts, plants, and delicious street food in the River Traders area. This weekend market is located on the historic site of early Māori trading.

19/11/2021

The sculpture, called Balancing act featuring three HB pencils and sculpted by Daniel Clifford, was the winner of the Wanganui District Council's inaugural Wanganui Sculpture event in October 2010.

The sculpture was permanently installed on the Whanganui Riverbank on Somme Parade on 22 December 2010. In 2016 the sculpture was briefly taken down for the pencils to be “resharpened” ;)

This sculpture takes its inspiration from the Staedtler tradition pencils the artist used throughout his studies in fine arts and Balancing Act reflects the artist's idea that Māori is traditionally an oral culture and European is traditionally a written culture.

19/11/2021

If you’re an outdoorsy person, there’s something for everyone in Whanganui. With options to travel by foot, bike or canoe, there’s a perfect journey for every adventurer.

Check out all the outdoors activities at: discoverwhanganui.nz/guides/explore-our-outdoors

19/11/2021

Whanganui rewards those who take the time to venture outside of the city. When it comes to the river, you can go fast or slow. The Paddle Steamer Waimarie cruise is undoubtedly one of the most authentic ways to experience Whanganui River’s scenery and history. Or opt for the 32km Jet Boat ride, which can be teamed up with mountain biking.