Quaint character cottage on working farmlet, Running Sheep & Beef.
Situated in the tranquil Dovedale valley on a property steeped in history, this cottage offers visitors a unique getaway destination - a chance to relax and unwind in the old wooden rocker on the verandah, entertained by birds and the hum of bees, in well kept park like grounds, with a ponding feature incorporating a natural stream separating the cottage from the owners "Villa". Upper Moutere village is only a 15 minute drive away for stores, cafe, takeaways the local pub, tennis courts, gym, 10km from the Motueka river which offers great fishing, swimming, rafting, etc. with both Kaiteriteri and Tahunanui beaches within a 40 min drive. Nelson lakes and Rainbow ski field in one direction, Takaka, Golden Bay the other, Mt Arthur and the tablelands in another, all are near enough for a great day out. Art and craft galleries, wineries and cafes, golf links, horseriding, cycle trails, whatever the interest, there is something near by for everybody. Special conditions: Dogs are allowed by negotiation. As we are a working farmlet, they may need to be restrained, and we ask that they be kept outside. There is good verandah weather protection. Tariff for dogs is $20.00 per night per animal.
Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included); Dogs (Optional, NZ$20.00 per night);
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Dovedale
Located in Dovedale, this cottage is in a rural area. Motueka District Museum and World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Richmond Mall and Nelson Market. Travelling with kids? Consider SimPit Technologies and Pic's Peanut Butter World. Discover the area's water adventures with water tubing and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking.
Michael Macmillan Sculptor & Country Homeware - 10 min drive
Upper Moutere Takeaways - 14 min drive
亚龙酒家
North Eatery - 16 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Quaint character cottage on working farmlet, Running Sheep & Beef. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Quaint character cottage on working farmlet, Running Sheep & Beef.?
As of 13 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Quaint character cottage on working farmlet, Running Sheep & Beef. on 28 April 2026 start from NZ$89, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Quaint character cottage on working farmlet, Running Sheep & Beef.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Quaint character cottage on working farmlet, Running Sheep & Beef.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Quaint character cottage on working farmlet, Running Sheep & Beef.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Quaint character cottage on working farmlet, Running Sheep & Beef. located?
Located in a rural location, this family-friendly cottage is within 16 mi (25 km) of Kahurangi Estate, Kina Peninsula and Mahana Estates. SimPit Technologies and Kahurangi National Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very welcoming. All the amenities you need in one place. Gorgeous gardens and fruit trees. Thank you for being wonderful hosts. We loved everything... and the old english charm. We would definitely stay again, thank you, thank ypu, thank you!
The host was cery welcoming, we could enjoy the whole place, which was great for the kids, too. Fay tool them to the chicken and David to the Sheep and the Kids fell in love wirh Pudge, the Farm's dog.
Eric L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Wayne
31 December 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful surroundings farm stay.
Quiet, peaceful with excellent hosts.
It is a quaint cottage in a park-like private setting and we loved the place. Every morning we had breakfast on the deck.The dog Pudge was there to greet us when we arrived and every morning when we opened the kitchen door, she is very friendly and very obedient.We stayed for 34 days as we were 'between houses' and this place was for us just the right tonic to relax after a stressful event of selling our house and finding a new one. Fay and David are very welcoming and friendly.Highly recommended.
Cottage is set in a lovely shady spot, but always sun on one of the verandahs. Lots of great activities - biking, swimming, walking, beaches, eating out - all within 15-30 mins from house. We all loved staying here :)
Karen T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 January 2021
Thank you for your comments Karen.
You and your family will be very welcome to come stay again if you ever come back this way.
The farm cottage was just what you would expect - particularly when its 150+ years old! It has a charm absent from modern living, but also has all you could need.
We enjoyed our stay, loved the location, and Fay & David were superb hosts. Next time we are in Tasman, we'll try to stay here again.
Glenn H.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 January 2023
Thank you Glen for your lovely comments.
We look forward to hosting you again next time you are up our way.
Regards
Fay
We loved our stay in this little cottage. A favourite area was the lawn with shady trees which were perfect for reading a book under on a hot day. Pudge, the friendly dog, was a very welcome visitor, and another highlight for us. (The owner checked if we liked dogs or not, to know whether we wanted such visits, which was very thoughtful). We will definitely be back.
Lovely Country stay in quaint 100 yr old cottage. Tasman countryside in Marlborough. 15 - 20 mins to Motueka, and not far to Kaiteriteri & Abel Tasman track. We could also do day trip up to Farewell spit & over the Takaka hill . If you are wanting quaint cottage stay , located in lovely farming valley , this is ideal. But make sure you have supplies & food , as not close to town. Host very helpful & welcoming, cottage comfortable & olde quaint. Lovely potbelly fireplace & wood supplied .
Russell B.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for a great review Russell. Your comments real and accurate except that
our location in the Tasman electorate, being on the west side of the Whangamoa hill is part of the Nelson district rather than Marlborough which is on the other side of the hill range, but we are all top of the south island.
It's a pleasure hosting , and sharing our part of the world.
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Rodrigo
12 January 2023
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Host was rude and arrogant. We were at the property about 5 min outside after arriving at cottage everything open and dog inside. We sat outside till she case over and rude to our dog and us. No key. We left after we talked and went to rent another place for 2 nights and she will not give a full refund because she cares about money instead of people. House is not up to standards at all and smells of smoke, timber flooring unsafe, washing machine outside only cold of turn tap running, drinking water is questionable unsafe.
This was our 2nd visit after 7yrs.
We loved our stay at the cottage. The cottage was tidy and clean. All our needs were catered for. Fay is very kind, genuine and friendly host.
The environment is very serene & peaceful. Fay's dog is an extremely welcoming host and super friendly. Loved having her visit us and playing with us. :):)
We had a brilliant time in the beautiful charismatic Dovedale Cottage. No TV only a good book, that’s all you need. Dave, Fae and Pudge made us feel very welcome. If you like tranquility, a fab landscape and still exploring the Top of the south, that’s the spot. Thank you for having us
We had a wonderful weekend at the cottage, the host (Fay) is a super lady, very accommodating, friendly and welcoming. The cottage was clean, dry and very warm with a super comfortable bed. The grounds are park like with
beautiful trees, we arrived late from Hokitika, Fay left the cottage light on so we could find our way, from the minute we drove down the drive we felt like we were 'home'. Cant wait to go back and spend some quality time there again soon. Our wee dog Sake absolutely loved it there, such a safe and tranquil spot for the three of us. Love it.
The photos don't do this cottage justice! There is plenty of sun, plenty of shelter, beautiful surrounds and lots of space. House is well equipped and the host is fantastic.
Jon B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 January 2021
Thank you for your constructive comments, we will upgrade our photos in time for next season.
It was our pleasure having you and family stay in our cottage.. Thank you for "Wilson" - ball
About the host
Hosted by FayM9795
We are semi retired farming folk. Our children have left home but keep coming back. We are active both on our downsized farm and well as socially away from the farm. Still very busy and enjoying what we do.
Why they chose this property
A touch of history - The main house (Villa), was built in 1918 replacing the original built in 1870s as a new home for a recently married early settler couple. The 'Villa Cottage' was built not long after the first house, for the new brides mother. The dwellings have 'character'. The surrounding house grounds have been well laid out and modified by different owners throughout the years, providing a wonderful restful feel, with good producing fruit trees and gardens, who could ask for more. - We are fortunate to be able to live in such a beautiful spot.
What makes this property unique
Welcoming, comfortable, no frills and beautiful.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests