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Anama School House Country Retreat

Photo gallery for Anama School House Country Retreat

Sports court
Sports court
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Pool

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Surrey Hills, Canterbury Region
  • Place, Staveley Historical and Geological Centre
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, Rakaia Gorge
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Futon

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Anama School House Country Retreat

Come and unwind at the Anama School House – a beautifully restored slice of history nestled in the heart of Mid Canterbury. Originally built in the early 1900s, this former school has been lovingly converted into a warm and welcoming country getaway.

Surrounded by rolling farmland, the Anama School House is perfect for a peaceful retreat or a base to explore the region. Inside, you’ll find cozy, character-filled rooms with vintage touches, a fully equipped kitchen, and plenty of space to relax.

If you want a country get away - this is the perfect spot! With a swimming pool and tennis court to enjoy, you'll have more than just the country air to keep you entertained.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
I may allow more events, please request in advance
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
We have a dog on the other side of the property.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Put all used towels in the laundry.
Turn off all heaters, heat pumps and lights.
Lock the key pad on your way out by pressing the 'lock' symbol on the door.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: I may allow more events, please request in advance
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Surrey Hills

Located in Surrey Hills, this holiday home is in a rural area. Methven Golf Course and Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Peel Forest Park and Awa Awa Rata Reserve. Enjoy the area's slopes with snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.
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Map
Surrey Hills, Canterbury Region

What's nearby

  • Staveley Historical and Geological Centre - 18 min drive - 21.7 km
  • Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa - 35 min drive - 46.6 km
  • Rakaia Gorge - 35 min drive - 48.9 km
  • Ashburton Domain - 37 min drive - 45.2 km
  • Mount Hutt Skifield - 60 min drive - 56.4 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Cafe Mayfield - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Udder Dairy - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Stronechrubie Country Restaurant & Chalets - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Mount Somers Tavern - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Stronechrubie - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Anama School House Country Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Anama School House Country Retreat?

As of 4 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Anama School House Country Retreat on 7 August 2026 start from NZ$392, 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.

Is Anama School House Country Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at Anama School House Country Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Anama School House Country Retreat?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Anama School House Country Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Anama School House Country Retreat located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 11 mi (17.6 km) from Staveley Historical and Geological Centre and within 25 miles (40 km) of Awa Awa Rata Reserve and The Plains Vintage Railway and Historical Museum. Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf Course are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sari R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location, tennis court and pool were such hit! And so nice to be cosy by the fire at the end of the day.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicky C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic base for 3 couples for the long weekend.Loved the house & the grounds.Gorgeous part of the country!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a great place to stay. Lovely grounds with pool and plenty of room. Peaceful and quiet. Deb was welcoming and kept in touch with details to help make our stay go well. Highly recommend the accommodation and plan to be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great time with friends over new year. Made use of the pool, tennis court and local walking trails. 3rd time we have stayed here and will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabrielle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was perfect for our long weekend away, the house was warm, clean and inviting. It had everything you would need. The garden was beautiful and the kids absolutely loved the tennis court and pool. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

July trip

We loved our stay at Anama School House! The place was warm and full of character. The grounds are beautiful. The beds were comfortable, and we enjoyed the family-friendly games and books. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mason N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Country Getaway

Loved the Anama School stay! Lovely and cosy and warm. Had a great Matariki weekend with friends, lots of room for the kids to run around and close to Mayfield, Methven, Mt Somers and Staveley. Great location! Already planning a return trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Deb

Host profile image
Deb, Nick, and their son Austin love welcoming guests to the historic Anama School House. With a passion for hospitality and a deep connection to the local area, they’ve created a peaceful and memorable getaway for families, couples, and adventurers alike. Whether it's sharing local tips, providing thoughtful touches, or simply offering a cosy place to unwind, they take pride in making every stay feel special.

Why they chose this property

We love the Anama area for its quiet and peaceful vibe — it’s surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, which makes it feel like a real escape. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and enjoy the stillness, but you’re still just a short drive away from great walks, cafes, and plenty of things to do. Best of both worlds, really!

What makes this property unique

It's the Anama School House' blend of character, history, and all the little extras that make a stay special. Once a rural school, it’s now a warm, welcoming space with high ceilings, big windows, and loads of charm. Set among beautiful gardens with plenty of space to explore, it also has a swimming pool to cool off in during summer and a tennis court for a bit of fun. Surrounded by peaceful farmland and views of the hills and mountains, it feels like a true escape — but you’re still just a short drive from walks, lakes, and local spots to discover.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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