HOME

To make or discuss a booking, phone or text Graeme on 021 117 5219 (no messages). WE DO NOT CHARGE CLEANING FEES.
 
Situated at 50 Riverbank Road, the lodge has a balcony, free Wifi, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, and a terrace with garden views. We supply bed linen and towels and provide free parking. The 2 acre property also has a picnic area. It is 5 km from the main street of Whanganui and 10 km from the airport. Within 5 minutes you can go jet boating up the river to the famous Bridge To Nowhere; catch the Waimarie paddle steamer; enjoy top cafés, restaurants and bars in the township (NZ's only UNESCO City of Design); explore Virginia Lake and NZ's most famous little Winter Garden; visit the Durie Hill Elevator and Tower; or take your turn at glassmaking in the famous artisanal Glass Works.

Arles Historical Homestead

The story of Arles Historical Homestead began in about 1870, when Irish surgeon Morgan Grace bought a large tract of land off John Fleetwood. The 6652m house that stands there today was built by his son Russell in about 1907, extending upon his father's 1880's dwelling. It was built in high Edwardian style for the princely sum of £4000.00, and actually hosted Edward Prince of Wales in 1920. The magnificent garden includes an awesome Queensland kauri (11 metres round!), which is listed in Burstall & Sale's 'Great Trees of New Zealand'. In the 1980s the stand-alone lodge was added. Bookings can be made here.

 

Your hosts

Graeme and Revessa bought Arles in 2017. The couple have previously owned historical homes in Auckland and Marton, and they place a high value on local heritage and history. As the feedback below will show, they are widely acknowledged as friendly and helpful hosts.

What others say

Best place to stay in Wanganui… amongst the treetops and the birds… what a treat! The owner of the property is tops… thank you, G, for sharing your book, for giving us the history of this wonderful house and its setting. It was the second visit for one of us and we will definitely be back. Our miniature schnauzer loved it too! Thank you! Very comfortable, private, and generous accommodation in an exceptional garden.

Dianne
New Zealand

A must-stay in Whanganui. An excellent accomodation, good value for the money. Beautiful and comfortable, well equipped kitchen.

Agustina
New Zealand

Calm, comfy and welcoming. 🙂 Set back off the road surrounded by well maintained gardens worth a walk around. Apartment was in keeping with the historical homestead alongside.

Bernice
France

We knew the apartment was on an historic property but nothing had prepared us for the incredible garden and the approach to the house. The apartment is spacious, well equipped and furnished with a very comfortable bed and full kitchen. We met Graeme and had a long chat about the house, and life and politics, etc, etc. What a charming man he is and very helpful in helping us plan our next day’s activities. Highly recommended!

David
Australia

The place was absolutely gorgeous. Graeme was incredibly hospitable and helpful, giving us great ideas of where to go to eat in town (which is very close!). The vibe was amazing and everything was perfect.

Amber
Australia

Very comfortable accomodation for family of 4; beautiful location; close to town; Graham and Revessa were very helpful and supportive throughout our 10 day stay. We would definitely choose to stay here again, and would highly recommend to family and friends.

Andrew
Australia

I would happily book here again. 🙂 Lovely apartment, cleaned to very high standard, in beautiful grounds of a bigger house, well stocked with tea, coffee, local information, books and games, A great base to explore the wider area.

James
United Kingdom

Fair price considering the age of the property. Friendly host and very clean rooms.

Joey
New Zealand

Close to town but felt like living in a park with lovely trees. Nice and quiet.
Beautiful property.

Kathleen
New Zealand

Loved it! 🙂 Beautiful homestead in a gorgeous garden, a feeling of yesteryear!!!
The whole experience was great!

Ronit
Israel