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Rural hideaway, close to town

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A single-story house with a sloped roof, a front porch, and a driveway leading to the entrance.
A dining area with a table, chairs, and a view through a glass door to an outdoor deck.
A wooden bench in a lush garden with a house in the background.
A modern kitchen with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and a window with a view of greenery.
A modern living room with a blue sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a grey carpet.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Fordell, Manawatu-Wanganui
  • Place, Durie Hill Elevator
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Place, Whanganui Riverboat Centre and Museum
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Whanganui Museum
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Airport, Whanganui (WAG)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Rural hideaway, close to town

Magnolia Cottage is a two storey, self contained space, separate to the main house, with your own private access. We are just a 10min scenic drive from vibrant and historic Whanganui, and a few minutes from SH3 & the popular Paloma Gardens.

Quiet location on our lifestyle block surrounded by farmland. Help feed the pet lambs during August/September (currently bottle feeding 4, as at 01/09/2026).

Spacious, bright and airy, with rural views and private deck.

After staying in BnBs ourselves, and hunting around for a teabag on our arrival, we pride ourselves on making your stay comfortable. Yes, you can make a cuppa on arrival, you don't even need to go back out for milk :) A selection of tea and coffee, and milk, juice, cereal, bread etc and our fresh farm eggs for breakfast. Guests often comment that they wished they had booked a longer stay.

Easy access - we will leave the cottage unlocked if we are not going to be at home for your arrival.

Free WIFI with one tap connection
Smart TV with Freeview and Netflix

Fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, bench top multi oven, everything you need plus a variety of tea bags, instant coffee, Nespresso coffee pod machine, plunger coffee, toastie pie machine, nutri blender and filtered drinking water.

There is a washing machine in the Cottage and a clothesline for your use

Parking for multiple cars or trailers at the Cottage.

The driveway can be a bit tight for some larger vehicles (like camper vans ), we do have alternative parking for these bigger vehicles in the front paddock if you wish, which is then just a short walk up the drive to the Cottage.

The two bedrooms are upstairs, with queen sized beds. The first bedroom is in an open area at the top of the stairs. The second bedroom is accessed through the first bedroom, with a connecting door that you can close.

There is a double sofa-bed downstairs in the living area, plus a spare single floor mattress and a porta-cot, all with bedding/pillows supplied.

The bathroom and toilet are downstairs.

Private outdoor deck with seating for morning coffees or quiet evening drinks taking in the stars and rural views. There is a BBQ on the deck for your use.

Amazing bird life, star gazing on clear nights and an ever-changing rural outlook.

We have a few dogs, who will be in their kennels if we are not home, or if you have advised us of an approximate arrival time. If not, they are all friendly, and we will happily put them away while you get unpacked :)

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please enquire first
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside only
No smoking inside and please remove your shoes inside.
We offer a maximum stay of 5 nights.
No pets sorry, as we have our own dogs, and a cat. Dogs are required to be on a specific veterinary worming programme on farms where there are sheep.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9530449
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 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

Fordell

Located in Fordell, this cottage is in a rural area. Durie Hill Memorial Tower and Watt Fountain are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Marton Golf Club and Marton Golf Course. Durie Hill Elevator and Wanganui Community Arts Centre are also worth visiting. Take some time off to enjoy the health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like cycling nearby.
Map
Fordell, Manawatu-Wanganui

What's nearby

  • Durie Hill Memorial Tower - 22 min drive - 17.9 km
  • Durie Hill Elevator - 22 min drive - 23.8 km
  • Whanganui Riverboat Centre and Museum - 23 min drive - 24.1 km
  • Whanganui Museum - 23 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Sarjeant Gallery - 24 min drive - 25.2 km

Getting around

  • Whanganui (WAG) - 21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rural hideaway, close to town pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Rural hideaway, close to town?

As of 25 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rural hideaway, close to town on 27 September 2026 start from NZ$255, 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 Rural hideaway, close to town?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rural hideaway, close to town?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rural hideaway, close to town?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rural hideaway, close to town located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 12 miles (20 km) of Durie Hill Memorial Tower, Durie Hill Elevator and Kowhai Park. Watt Fountain and Wanganui Community Arts Centre are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 47 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 50 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely well-equipped home with breakfast provided and lots of nice touches which make it relaxing.Its in a peaceful, rural location
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely lovely place to stay, beautiful spot, very well kitted out cottage. The hosts are fantastic, going above and beyond, friendly and helpful, wonderful with our son showing him the animals and the farm. 100% recommended, thanks for having us, we will definitely come and stay again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay - thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome hosts. Place is very well equipped. The breakfast was lovely. Will be recommending to family and friends and when we are back in Whanganui will look to book here.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beth was excellent at communicating from initial booking through to my late arrival. Lovely property in good condition a very quiet location. Breakfast was nice especially the free range eggs.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great place to stay.Terrific breakfast spread Comfortable ,warm and friendly.Great host would certainly recommend to others
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent stay, clean with a well stocked pantry and continental breakfast selection. Cottage is very close to the hosts property so bear this in mind if privacy is a concern.Beth was friendly and helpful, we didn’t get to meet her partner.So overall if you’re looking for a great base close to Whanganui and surrounds, can recommend Magnolia Cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely getaway destination

It was a great place to stay, had everything you'd need inside. It's a nice and quiet area with great countryside views
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beth & Graham welcomed us warmly upon arrival and the cottage on the farm was perfect for our 3 day 'get away'. We loved Wanganui and visited the cafes, galleries, nature reserves and gardens and left revitalised. Thank you Beth and Graham for creating such a lovely 'home away from home' and environment.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Grandies Road Trip

A great place to stay as we visited family and friends in the areaWonderful to have an outdoor space to wander when not visiting
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely stay

We had a lovely stay at the cottage. It's close to Whanganui, it's very clean, warm and it has everything we need. The children loved playing with the friendly dogs.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely place to stay

Quiet and great location. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely stay

Really enjoyed our stay, beautiful location, very helpful hosts, and lots of lovely 'extra touches' in the cottage. Comfortable beds, and the fireplace made it cosy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay

Excellent accommodation on a working farm. Beth was a wonderful host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely peaceful spot

Great place to stay if you don’t mind a short drive to Whanganui.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The peace and quiet of the countryside was lovely but still not far away from the city. Hosts were very friendly, beds very comfortable and everything we needed plus was supplied.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is advertised as a rural retreat, and private. It is right next to the main house. Not private at all. Rural yes.We had to keep the curtains closed so she didn't look in every time she walked past.Advertised as bed and breakfast. We had been given fresh eggs, bread in the freezer, a portion of butter, some milk an juice. Stale cereal. It was not refilled. I would assume you booked for 2 nights there would be enough provisions for 2 breakfasts. The cottage had a fire, which is certainly needed. When we messaged to ask about extra fire wood, no response. Again, this is the number given to use if you need anything. We never had a response, but as soon as she needed something, spam texting. We found her to be quite rude and abrupt.My friend and I had booked this as a weekend catch up before I moved south. We were planning on meeting my daughter on the Saturday. We arrived back at he cottage after being and town and collecting her, an were immediately berated, there is 3 if you? You had only booked for 2, when are you going to pay extra? We didn't even know if she was staying over. I assumed you could have guests visiting? Honestly find somewhere with a nicer host and a 'private' setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 August 2026
In response to Marie-Therese’s review, I would like to say that I am sorry they did not enjoy their stay. We have had over 300 happy guest bookings over multiple platforms. This is the first negative review we have ever received, in over 15 years of hosting. Yes, our Cottage is adjacent to the main house, as advertised. These guests had arrived while we were out on the Friday afternoon, and all the curtains were already drawn when we arrived home, I can only assume now, to hide the fact they had more people staying than they had booked for. I certainly have better things to do than to “look in” on the occasion I was out that side of the house, as our living, and the Cottage’s living spaces face opposite sides. We were out for the majority of the weekend, including Saturday night. We provide generous, fresh, breakfast supplies, for the number of guests and nights booked, including cereal, fruit, farm eggs, bread, butter, spreads, orange juice and milk, all of which was consumed to some extent. My husband answered to their knock on the door re extra firewood, which was provided. Yes I had missed the text, a few minutes earlier. I chatted to one of the guests, not sure who, as no-one had introduced themselves, and queried on the Saturday afternoon if they had an extra person staying, as they had only booked for two. She replied she knew that, and headed inside. They packed early Sunday morning and were making moves to vacate the premises, so I went out and queried if they would like to leave the balance owing inside, or internet bank it, to which she (not sure who) replied she would internet bank it. Which she failed to do, so I sent a payment request through VRBO for the overdue amount owing. The Cottage was left in an extremely disappointing condition, with spilt food over the top and inside the oven, food scraps thrown outside, and the kitchen, dining and living areas were in general disarray. Cleaning took an additional hour to the usual 90 minute clean after guests leave.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quiet Farm Stay

A great spot to take the kids - not too far from the activities of Whanganui but peaceful and quiet with tons of animals around.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 January 2022
We enjoyed meeting David and the kids. Quiet, considerate guests who left the cottage clean and tidy. Would happily host again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesome place to stay

Loved our stay here. Hosts were great to deal with and very accommodating. Definitely recommend. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

lovely country destination, spacious too

wonderful place to stop for the night. plenty of room downstairs and nice sleeping areas upstairs. will come again! very night and professional.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesome place to stay

Loved staying here, even tho it was only for one night. Lovely host, great spot, and incredibly well appointed cottage. If you’re here during winter the fire is lovely. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Enjoyed

It was great to stay, I wished I could have stayed few more days. Warm place ,cozy beds, enjoyed the time with the dogs too 😊
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great spot in the country

Return visit as good as first one. Great welcome, fresh produce ready for breakfast, lovely company. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely cottage in a beautiful location

Beth is a wonderful host. The cottage is warm and comfortable and only a few minutes from town.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely place

We had a loveky stay in this quiet, well equipped property. Thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Beth Lamb

Host profile image
We love meeting new people, having ran a successful BnB at Mangamahu and hosting HelpEx travellers from all over the world for many years. Since moving closer to Wanganui in 2020 we set up Magnolia Cottage at our new property.

We grow export kiwifruit for Zespri, run a sheep and beef farm in Mangamahu and on our lifestyle block where we now live, have a Silviculture (forestry) business, beehives, and Beth breed's chickens and Japanese quail.

Why they chose this property

We bought this lifestyle block to be a bit closer to town, reducing travel to our other businesses. We love the open, rural views.

What makes this property unique

Quiet, rural location, with stunning views, but still within a short drive to town.
We live on the property and work from home, so are available if needed, but will respect your privacy.

Languages:

English

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