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India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!

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India House
Sitting Room
Kitchen
Full kitchen facilities
Queen Bedroom

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Whareama, Wellington Region
  • Riversdale Beach
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Castlepoint Beach
    ‪54 min drive‬
  • Castlepoint Lighthouse
    ‪55 min drive‬
  • Masterton (MRO-Hood)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Queen Room

1 Queen Bed

Twin Room

2 Single Beds

Twin Room

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!

India House is a rustic, charming (original 1866) 3 bedroom stand-alone cottage, located in the grounds of the Ica Station Homestead at Whareama, close to the beach resort of Riversdale. Situated at the end of a ‘no exit’ road, simply enjoy the peace and quiet of an early settler cottage, steeped in history, in the beautiful countryside setting of Ica Station. Originally built in 1866, today ‘India House’ offers our visitors comfortable, clean, rustic accommodation and a location with interesting early NZ rural character. The cottage is quaint and still enjoys many of its original features. It has 3 small twin bedrooms (with the option for Bedroom 1 to be a King size), a living room, small dining kitchen and inside bathroom with flushing toilet and an outside flushing toilet. With uninterrupted views over a small lake and beautiful countryside, here you can relax, read a book, have a glass of wine and listen to the birds in the peaceful and extremely private setting of this cottage. All our guests have use of a swimming pool and spa pool at the main Homestead during their stay! With Riversdale and Otahome Beaches only 15 mins drive away and Castlepoint Beach 35 mins in the opposite direction, this bach is an ideal base for surfers, fishermen, golfers, couples or groups of friends to explore the East Coast of the Wairarapa!. There's plenty to see and do in the area. Nearby Riversdale and Castlepoint offer superb Golf Courses, a local store for food and basic groceries, Tennis Courts, Swimming, Fishing, Surfing, Walking, Diving and Boating. Or Otahome, where you often have the beach to yourselves. Close by is the village of Tinui that has the oldest ANZAC Memorial Cross you can walk up to (Nov - Apr annually). Special conditions: Smoking allowed outside only please. Well behaved dog considered (not always possible) - strictly by arrangement only, cost $15 per night, please say when booking!. No bottles, glass or pets allowed in the swimming pool/spa pool area. Please note - there is only limited cellphone or wifi coverage at the cottage. Extras: Cleaning (NZ$35.00 per stay); Linen (included); Tea/Coffee provisions (included); Continental breakfast provisions (extra charge); Swimming Pool and Spa Pool available to use - short stroll across the lawns.

Property manager

Carmen Tredwell

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 1:30 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Note there is a small lake in front of the cottage
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pets by prior permission only!
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking allowed outside only.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mangapakeha

Located in Mangapakeha, this cottage is in a rural area. Castlepoint Rock and Castlepoint Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Otahome Beach and Basil Bodle Reserve. Surfing/body boarding, fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Whareama, Wellington Region

What's nearby

  • Otahome Beach - 40 min drive - 18.7 km
  • Riversdale Beach - 43 min drive - 22.1 km
  • Castlepoint Beach - 54 min drive - 37.7 km
  • Castlepoint Lighthouse - 55 min drive - 38.4 km
  • Castlepoint Rock - 55 min drive - 38.5 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Tinui Cafe & Bar - ‬29 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!?

Check-in begins at 1:30 PM.

What time is check-out at India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner!?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is India House - Bookabach Bach of the Year Awards Unique Category Bronze Winner! located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 16 miles (25 km) of Otahome Beach, Basil Bodle Reserve and Riversdale Beach. Karaka Reserve and Riversdale Beach Golf Course are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 44 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jessica D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas stay
Just what we needed to get off the grid this christmas. Beautiful wee retreat, our family were asll thrilled staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming historic property
Great place for a peaceful country retreat within easy drive to fabulous beaches ….dog friendly and lovely hosts
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jules v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely spot, with great hosts
The hosts were very lovely and even towed us out of the mud when we got stuck! The house is cosy and well equiped. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gillian H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and relaxing
India Cottage is like a secret get away - surrounded by trees with a view of a pond, it's a beautiful, relaxing setting that feels like the middle of nowhere. But if you feel like doing something it's fairly close to beaches and walks - Castlepoint, Riversdale and for some yummy food and a game of pool head to the pub at Tinui. The cottage is lovely and has everything you need, and we loved the pool. Not much in the way of wifi but even the teenagers admitted it was nice to unplug and hang out. Dick and Carmen are lovely, welcoming hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zoe W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely
Beautiful spot for a quiet and cosy getaway :)
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

ALLAN C., New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous cottage for a getaway.
Lovely property. Cottage has everything you need to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Kitchen well equipped. The beds are super comfortable. Great hosts very welcoming and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Davina J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful country stay
A beautiful countryside property. Absolute bonus to be able to use the swimming pool at the main house - especially in the Summer heat. Carmen and Dick were great hosts - offering help with anything we needed. Good to be able to take our dog on holiday with us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

karin and Richard S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great tramping place
This would be an amazing place to stay if you were tramping or if you have small children. The beds are very comfy, the fireplace works well and the owners are very accommodating. The bathroom has a rudimentary shower only. The kitchen has most things and is workable. Nice setting and relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Recharge
What a place, no cell reception or wifi makes this the perfect place to recharge and relax. The cottage had everything you could need and would go back without hesitation. Highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heavenly
My daughters (9&12 yrs) and our dog loved our stay. The kids had their own room, bonus! The frogs sang for us (relaxing). The pool and spa a treat. Beaches near by for the girls boogie boards. We stayed 10 nights and did not get bored. Do note no Wifi in the cottage so not a place for a work getaway (phew!) and kids need to be more creative - but very doable!! :-) You can access WIFI on property and bring DVDs. Hosts were fabulous. Thank you Carmen and Dick we really loved our stay. Such a beautiful relaxing spot.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maria and Graham M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely historic cottage.
Ideal rural retreat for a peaceful getaway with the simple pleasures of yesteryear . Lovely fire and use the spa at the homestead was an added bonus. Picturesque vista and a warm welcome from our hosts . Many thanks for a great weekend break .
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margaret O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy Cottage with Winter Comforts
Loved our stay, especially moonlit spa and luxury log fire. Fascinating history of India House an added interest. Accommodating our beloved pooch a bonus, thank you to our friendly hosts, Carmen and Dick.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brendan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A relaxed stay in a hidden gem
Truly a hidden gem, the owners Dick and Carmen really make this a special place to stay. Plenty of space to roam, loads of privacy, a great poolside setting and access to beaches nearby to mix it up. Perfect
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

russell o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet. However, a great break away.
No issues at all. Hosts were very welcoming. Basically left us to it, bit always Available if needed. Would definitely look to return
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Frances V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Would highly recommend!
This is a perfect spot for a rural retreat, with easy access to the beach, but all the loveliness of countryside :) Carmen made the whole experience really straight forward, and we had a really comfortable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jodene T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
India House
Great quiet cottage and getaway

10/10 Excellent

Aoife N., Wellington

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect rural getaway
The cottage was beautifully cosy with comfortable beds, well-stocked kitchen and plenty wood for the fire! Very rural location but easy to get to Masterton. Friendly welcome from Carmen with easy communication prior to our stay. Lovely to make use of the spa pool at the main property also.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

kim A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short stay at Whareama
Lovely historic property in a sunny, sheltered spot. Lovely outlook. Everything our 2 adult, 4 children group needed packed into 80m2. The spa pool and outdoor pool made the trip for the kids. Visited both Castlepoint and Riversdale from here easily. Better than a beach bach booking for the area as the beaches can be wild. Lovely hosts Carmen and Dick were very welcoming, while still allowing privacy. Limited wifi and cellphone reception encouraged the kids to use their imagination again. Great!

10/10 Excellent

Sam F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing retreat
Perfect place to just relax and get away from it all. Dick and Carmen were great hosts and we can't wait to go back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sally B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Whareama
We had a lovely relaxing time here. It was a perfect quick weekend away.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melanie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and private
Great spot to relax, our dog loved the pond and the sounds of the frogs was lovely. Spa and swimming pool were a great bonus and we found ourselves in the perfect place to chill out or go explore Castlepoint & Riverside.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and cozy
Had a lovely stay at the house, beautiful property and it was the perfect place to relax for a few days. Owners were very helpful and accommodating.

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A relaxing long weekend
My partner and I stayed at India house for a long weekend with our daughter and puppy. We had a wonderful relaxing time. The cottage is just lovely, and the pond was buzzing with tadpoles and frogs which kept our daughter entertained. BBQ every night and a short trip to riversdale beach for icecream and sand dunes. We would love to come back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

India House is a lovely little cottage - very serene and a great setting.
India House is a lovely little cottage - very serene and a great setting. Basic and comfortable and a well-equipped kitchen.

10/10 Excellent

Nicola L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot
A lovely cottage in a wonderful quiet location - a perfect weekend getaway for our family. We enjoyed the spa pool, and walking around the farm. Super hosts who kept us well supplied with firewood too!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

About the host

Hosted by Carmen Tredwell

Host profile image
Your hosts are Dick & Carmen Tredwell, originally from the UK, we've spent the past 20 years living in the Wairarapa. We have a beautiful historic homestead which we have turned into a B&B and have two ornate cottages in the 20 acres of grounds around the Homestead - India House being one of these cottages. We welcome you to our 'little piece of paradise!'

What makes this property unique

Beautiful outlook - set in private estate grounds (accommodates up to 6 persons).

Languages:

English