Margherita&Piero
Italy
Dec 9, 2019 - Dec 20, 2019
Became a member in: 2019
Renewal Date: 31/Mar/2026
We are retired health care professionals, grew up in Germany, but since the late 70's have lived and worked in various places around the globe.
About 15 years ago we settled in New Zealand.
We have always enjoyed travelling, and ourselves welcoming culturally diverse visitors to our home.
Chances are that we will be on-site when you start your exchange.
Then we will likely invite you to share the occasional culinary and cellar delights with you :-)
We love to be creative with the products of our garden, and the surroundings.
We are experienced in home exchange, we enjoyed 30 exchanges with the platform HomeExchange.com.
On HomeLink presence started later, and due to the pandemic, we have only logged a single exchnage to date.
Additional languages spoken
English, French, German
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Hiking,
Motorhomes / Caravans,
Wine Lovers,
Foodies
MoreLessAffiliations
Retirees,
Seniors,
Medical & Healthcare Professionals,
Science / Research
MoreLessProfession
Physician (Retired)
Our personal links
Margherita&Piero
Italy
Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
Long-term Home Exchange
Sabbatical Home Exchange
Smoking Not Allowed
No Children Please
Use of Personal Car is not possible
Open to all dates | Mexico | Costa Rica | Cuba |
Open to all dates | Japan | Korea | Taiwan |
Open to all dates | Burgundy, France | Alsace, France | Beaujolais, France |
Open to all dates | China | Vietnam | Thailand |
Open to all dates | Samoa | American Samoa | Cook Islands |
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
Starting from May 2024, we warmly welcome long-term exchanges of one to two months or more.
Embark on a tranquil getaway at our charming home, a true haven for every season!
It is designed to provide a peaceful and intimate experience for two adults.
Nestled in the picturesque slopes of Charteris Bay above Lyttelton Harbour, our residence offers breathtaking views. Conveniently located just a short 40-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport and even closer to downtown Christchurch, it combines accessibility with serenity.
This idyllic setting is an perfect escape for those yearning for a quiet retreat. Whether you seek a secluded writer's residence, a tranquil "bolthole experience," or an enchanted workspace for up to three remote office workers, our home caters to your needs. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying the comforts of a well-appointed dwelling.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience our delightful hideaway, perfect for both leisure and work travellers! Meticulously designed by our architect, it encompasses every aspect of comfort and cutting-edge technology, tailored to meet your discerning needs.
Regardless of the weather, our house ensures a comfortable indoor climate with central heating, cooling, and ventilation. Designed to be accessible for disabled individuals, it features a wheelchair-friendly bathroom and platform lifts connecting all living levels, including the parking area. Stay connected with high-speed satellite Internet access through StarLink, and enjoy uninterrupted power with our solar power system, even during grid power outages.
During the summer months, take a refreshing dip in our pool equipped with two counter-current jets, allowing for sustained swimming. The pool terrace is complemented by an overhead infra-red heater, ensuring cosy evenings under the stars.
We offer flexible check-in and check-out times, and we make it a priority to personally greet you and acquaint you with our home.
Conveniently situated on Banks Peninsula, our house serves as an ideal base for exploring the central South Island. Within a day's reach, you can discover the wonders of Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo, Kaikoura, and Hanmer Springs. Additionally, nearby amenities include a sailing club marina, a boat ramp, and the Orton Bradley Park golf course.
Type
House - 2 or more floors/ Second home
Amenities
Entertainment
Extras
Setting
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
Welcome to Charteris Bay, a quaint village that's bursting with character and natural beauty. Despite its small size, there's plenty to see and do here - you'll find a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and walking trailheads at Orton Bradley Park, all within easy walking distance. If you're a sailing enthusiast, you'll be pleased to know that there's also a marina for sailboats nearby.
We like to call Charteris Bay the "tropical" part of Christchurch, as temperatures here are generally 7+ C warmer than the official Christchurch (airport) temperature. Thanks to our exposure to the northwestern sun and our sheltered location near hills and mountains, we enjoy a fortuitous microclimate that's perfect for growing veggies - some of which keep growing happily even in winter!
It's no surprise that the picturesque Lyttelton Harbour region of the Banks Peninsula is a favourite weekend destination for bicycle and motorcycle riders from Christchurch. There's so much to explore and enjoy here, from stunning natural landscapes to bustling markets and cafés.
If you're in the mood for a delicious bite to eat, be sure to check out the Orton Bradley Café, located just 1 km west of Charteris Bay. Here, you can indulge in country-style fare and even order take-out pizzas and burgers from 5 to 7 pm.
For a more lively scene, hop on the passenger ferry from Diamond Harbour and head to Lyttelton. Here, you'll find a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, including the Lyttelton Coffee Company, which offers delicious nachos and panoramic views of ships docked in the working Inner Harbour. Don't miss the colorful Saturday morning farmer's market either!
To help you make the most of your stay, we have a whole wall filled with maps of the surrounding area, including the North Island of New Zealand. We're happy to offer guidance and recommendations to help you explore our world 'down under'. So what are you waiting for? Come and experience the magic of Charteris Bay for yourself!
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Cultural Activities
Transport Nearby
Neighbourhood Services
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
Attractions
Places to go and things to do while staying in our home
Within walking distance (<1km):
- 9 hole gold course
- tennis courts
- trailheads for walking a few hours in the Orton Bradley Park, and beyond (eg Mt Herbert - 7+h return)
- Charteris Bay Yacht Club (this is where the 'Optimist' training sailboat for kids was invented!)
Within 30+ min commute (by car/ferry)
- Port Hills Gondula (scenic)
- Port Hills Summit Road (scenic)
-Lyttelton Farmer's Market (Saturdays - very tasty local products, like meats [eg, venison!] or cheeses [eg authentic yet locally produced Italian cheeses])
The Lyttelton collection of bars/restaurants: eg, Civic & Naval (great 'tapas bar'), Lyttelton Coffee Company (outdoor terrace w/ view across the inner harbour - have Nachos!)
Our favourite restaurants
Orton Bradely Park Cafe
She Universe Cafe
Diamond Harbour Eastery
Cafés & bars
Orton Bradley Cafe
Walks or jogging paths
Orton Bradley Park
Interesting day trips
Akaroa on Banks Peninsula
Our favourite restaurants
Leisure and cultural activities
Walks or jogging paths
Interesting day trips
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
We kindly ask that guests leave their street shoes at the entry and change into indoor footwear, which we provide, or you are welcome to bring your own.
And, for the comfort of all, we maintain a strict non-smoking policy throughout the entire property.
The house features an indoor climate control system, which automatically keeps the temperature and humidity at comfortable levels.
For this reason, we request that you do NOT leave doors or windows open.
Should your comfort require specific adjustments to the settings, then please talk to us. Thank you!
Conditions
Use of Personal Car
Home Exchange Type
Became a member in: 2019
Renewal Date: 31/Mar/2026
We are retired health care professionals, grew up in Germany, but since the late 70's have lived and worked in various places around the globe.
About 15 years ago we settled in New Zealand.
We have always enjoyed travelling, and ourselves welcoming culturally diverse visitors to our home.
Chances are that we will be on-site when you start your exchange.
Then we will likely invite you to share the occasional culinary and cellar delights with you :-)
We love to be creative with the products of our garden, and the surroundings.
We are experienced in home exchange, we enjoyed 30 exchanges with the platform HomeExchange.com.
On HomeLink presence started later, and due to the pandemic, we have only logged a single exchnage to date.
Additional languages spoken
English, French, German
Affinities
Plants & Gardens,
Hiking,
Motorhomes / Caravans,
Wine Lovers,
Foodies
MoreLessAffiliations
Retirees,
Seniors,
Medical & Healthcare Professionals,
Science / Research
MoreLessProfession
Physician (Retired)
Our personal links
Margherita&Piero
Italy
Over 70 years of home exchange experience
Local home swap representatives around the world to assist you
Travel, save and feel at home around the world!