Get swept off your feet at The Stables, at The Starling Homestead. This haven is the ultimate romantic getaway for lovebirds on the hunt for an intimate location. Every inch of this bespoke space oozes character, with unique reclaimed materials & handcrafted cabinetry that will transport you to a world of rustic charm. Less than 1 hour from Christchurch. Less than 90 minutes from Kaikoura / Hamner Springs / Ski fields. The Stables has everything you need to unwind, recharge and reconnect. The handcrafted rimu kitchenette includes a kettle, toaster, microwave and hotplate as well as all the breakfast essentials. Pancake mix, eggs, bagels, muesli, oatmeal, yoghurt and fruit. This is provided for the guests to assemble their own breakfast. The bathroom features a vintage cast iron clawfoot bath for sumptuous soaks as well as the toilet and pedestal hand basin. The bath may be challenging if you have mobility issues. Please note this is a STUDIO unit, the bedroom/living/kitchen is all open plan with a separate bathroom. The bed is a very comfortable Queen size. Rimu timber has been used extensively throughout. The floors, ceiling and kitchenette have all been made using Rimu repurposed from the original stable wall linings. Guests have full use of the 1200m2 paddock within which The Stables is located. If you are interested in feeding our very friendly Kunekune (native pigs) Bruce and Lady Penelope, then please let us know and we can arrange a visit to their paddock. We breed our Kunekune so at regular intervals there will be piglets available for guests to fall in love with. We also have chickens which roam the property and enjoy being hand fed by our guests. Poppy and Frank (Maremma dogs) also love interacting with guests and are often a highlight of peoples visit. WIFI: Please note, that whilst there is excellent internet coverage over the property, we do not provide free WIFI so you will need to use your own mobile data while staying.

Please follow our IG #thestarlinghomestead to see up to date photos. We reside elsewhere on the property, in The Homestead, a large red barn. Our driveway continues on past The Stables so you may see us as we come and go from the property. We will respect your privacy however as we are a working homestead there will be times where we are visible and audible as we go about our daily chores. If you are interested in learning more about our Livestock Guardian Dogs, Frank and Poppy the Maremma's, please let us know. We love to talk about our dogs! If you are able to advise us of an approximate ETA we will ensure the dogs are locked away until you have settled in. They can get in the way of vehicle's entering the property for the first time & bark until properly introduced to guests.

The Stables is located along Georges Road, where Amberley meets Waipara. Georges Road is also known as 'South Bank' and is home to three superb local family owned wineries and a sculpture park. * Terrace Edge Winery * Georges Road Wines * The Bone Line Winery * Iron Ridge Quarry and Sculpture Park There are approximately 19 wineries / vineyards within 10km of The Stables. Amberley township is approximately 10km to the south and has several outstanding local eateries, pubs, a laundromat, chemist, liquor stores and a Countdown Supermarket. Getting around: We have guest bikes available, this is an ideal way to tour the various local wineries.