The Beech House, Riverton

Open the curtains in the morning and lie in bed with the sun streaming in as you drink your coffee.

Move to the lounge where the sun will greet you again and you can relax and read a book, with the only disruption the song of native birds, and end the day with a relaxing soak in the bath.

Or, if complete relaxation is a bore, take a stroll along the beach to the south coast, maybe stopping at the Beach House Café, or up in Mores Reserve, where a lookout provides fantastic views over the Riverton Estuary, West to Colac Bay and south to Stewart Island.

This house is newly renovated, but with plenty of character – including recycled Southland beech timber throughout.

The ‘shower room’ is a special feature and separate to the rest of the bathroom, and with gas hot water you won’t run out!

There are two separate lounges so you can have time out from the kids if you need it.

There is no view of the sea, but you can hear the sea as you sleep on windless nights, and it is only 2 minutes’ walk to Taramea Bay which is a very safe and shallow swimming beach when the tide is in and something to marvel when the tide is out.

Privacy is a key feature of this house, with the outdoor area surrounded by trees.

And for rainy days there are plenty of books, a blu ray player and freeview tv, games and even a piano to tinkle.