Entire home

The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape

Photo gallery for The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape

Exterior
Outdoor pool
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape

Set in park-like grounds, this beautifully renovated property has extensive gardens, country views, tennis court and an outdoor fenced swimming pool to enjoy. The pool is available from November until the end of February.

This historic Cantabrian school, surrounded by oak trees planted in 1902 for King Edward VII's coronation, has found a new lease of life as a countryside escape for couples, families and groups.

If you're looking for a bolthole - curl up with a book in front of the log fire, enjoying the original features and all the modern comforts to have a relaxing stay (including broadband internet).

The Old Anama School is situated at the base of the pretty Surrey Hills, 10 minutes drive from either Mt Somers or the little town of Mayfield, which is home to a great local pub.

Its position in mid-Canterbury directly off Main Scenic Highway 72 gives easy access to Mt Somers track, Mt Hutt, the Hakatere Conservation Park and Mt Sunday or, to Lord of the Rings fans, Edoras. Sharpen up your skates and try out Staveley’s new Olympic size ice skating and curling rink.

The busy tourist town of Methven is just 25 min away. Great location for ski/snowboarders, hikers, nature enthusiasts or anyone wanting to 'get away from it all'.
Relax at Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa

The Old Anama School - Layout:

Bedroom 1
Queen bed.
A futon is available on request.

Bedroom 2
Queen bed

Bedroom 3
Two single beds

Lounge: The old main classroom is now a large stylish lounge and dining area with plenty of comfortable seating and a logburner and heatpump/air conditioning.

Kitchen: Fully equipped modern kitchen with dishwasher, oven, microwave, fridge freezer, as well as additional dining table and chairs.

Bathroom: with shower and bath. There is also an additional toilet.

Large deck area and gazebo with BBQ and outdoor furniture.

Children are welcome. No pets. No smoking or vaping indoors or outdoors.

Prices are for 2 people. Additional guests are charged an extra $25 per person per night.

No charge for children under 2 Please bring own travel cot and bedding

Linen included.

If you have a special request, please do not hesitate to ask.

Attractions:
Mt Hutt Skifield - 20 mins (to access road)
Methven - 24 min
Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa - Methven
Geraldine - 25 min
Mayfield - 5 min
Mount Somers - 9 min
Staveley- 14 min
Lake Clearwater - 43 min
Lake Tekapo - 1 hr 33 min
Lake Heron - 1 hr 6 min
Ashburton - 28 min
Timaru - 1 hour
Terrace Downs Golf Resort - 43 min
Christchurch Airport - 1 hr 25 min

Local activities:
Hakatere Recreation Area
Walking/hiking
Cycling
Hunting
Fishing
Climbing
Boating
Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
Skiing snowboarding Mt Hutt
Four-wheel driving
Golfing (four golf courses nearby)
Restaurants and Cafes nearby in Mayfield, Stavely, Mt Somers.

Facilities:
-Full kitchen facilities, self-catering including dishwasher, oven, microwave.
-Barbecue
-Heatpump/air conditioning
- Broadband internet
-CD Player
- DVD Player
-TV
-Woodburner
-Washing machine
- Dryer
-Highchair

Features:
Tennis court (with racquets and balls available)
Swimming pool (available November - end of February)
Mature park-like setting

Available:
3 x bicycles and sports equipment.

Property manager

Neil and Liz

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No smokng or vaping

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Tennis
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Under 2 are free. Bring travel cot and bedding

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 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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

The Old Anama School - Stylish Countryside Escape Mayfield
Old Anama School Stylish Countryside Escape House
Old Anama School Stylish Countryside Escape
The Old Anama School Stylish Countryside Escape
The Old Anama School Stylish Countryside Escape
The Old Anama School Stylish Countryside Escape
The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape Surrey Hills

About the area

Map
Mt Somers, Surrey Hills, Canterbury

What's nearby

  • Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa - 33 min drive
  • Peel Forest Park - 35 min drive
  • Rakaia Gorge - 38 min drive
  • Lake Hood - 45 min drive
  • Mount Hutt Skifield - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cafe Mayfield - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Stronechrubie - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Midway Dairy and Takeaways - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape located?

This family-friendly Surrey Hills holiday home is located in the mountains, 11 mi (17.6 km) from Staveley Historical and Geological Centre, and within 25 mi (40 km) of Vintage Railway Museum and Awa Awa Rata Reserve. Methven Golf Course and Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa are also within 25 miles (40 km).

The Old Anama School - stylish countryside escape Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 144 out of 145 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 145 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 145 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 145 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 145 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stephen B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spacious and beautiful with a touch of history
Overnighter enroute to Punakiaki from Dunedin. Love the grounds and the spacious accommodation
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kira B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing place
Amazing place for a family reunion, warm, clean and inviting. Great facility in a relaxing environment. Thank you very much
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beverley L., New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect countryside retreat
The schoolhouse is brimming with history and is a delightful, warm (with log fire) house to stay in for three generations of family. Liz and Neil were wonderful hosts providing everything we needed. The toys and books for the children were just wonderful to entertain them. The house is surrounded by countryside and is peaceful and quiet. Recommend the Sharplin Falls Track, Opuke Hot Pools in Methven, the Staveley Ice Rink and the Enchanted Forest. Washpen Falls Track is an amazing walk to do if you have older children. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would love to come again. Thank you Liz and Neil for your hospitality with good quality linen and towels and endless supply of firewood and a cupboard full of food and beverage basics to cook with.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberley J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family getaway
Great visit. We had 4 kids with us and needed a break in a long journey. The Old School was just perfect. Great space for kids to run wild but really nice for parents. Hosts were super speedy on communication.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

ella m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay!
This is a beautiful property and an amazing stay. Have already recommended to people and will definitely be back myself! Great house and layout ans amazing to read about the history of the place
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon W.

Liked: Cleanliness
.
Cool place to stay, loved the fire on a freezing Canterbury night
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emma T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the bird song
Wonderful relaxing stay. Well appointed house and responsive and helpful hosts (who promptly responded to a message and dropped off a bit more wood for the fire). We really enjoyed the grounds, birdsong and quiet (no traffic noise) and log burner for the chilly weather. Will recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

Liked: Cleanliness
BLISS
All was very clean and well laid out. Fantastic kitchen and an even better shower . The most relaxing, enjoyable and quiet location. One could hear the acorns dropping and all day birdsong.. Truely Bliss !!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Special birthday getaway
We were instantly relaxed and at home when we walked in the door. It was spacious, light and cosy once we'd started the already prepared fire. The grounds brought out the kid in all of us. So much space to play. A delightful property with delightful hosts. We'll be back.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely wonderful
Thank you Neil and Liz! We had the best time staying at the old school. We loved the pool, tennis courts, grounds, outlook, the renovated building, the cut flowers, everything!! We can’t wait to book again and stay longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection
This is our second stay at Anama School House and it lived up to our fond memories of the property. Gorgeous, comfortable house with everything you could possibly need. Beautiful gardens to explore and fun to be had in the pool or on the tennis court. Thanks Neil & Liz for sharing your fabulous property!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Back again
We brought the family back for a second time. They love it. So easy, so much to do, and lots a great walks in the area. See you again soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary W., Lower Plenty

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful, re-purposed country retreat
The beautifully restored old school house exuded warmth and charm. There is plenty of space, with interesting nooks to explore, a modern kitchen, comfortable bedrooms and good bathroom facilities. Though it was a little too cool for us to use the pool, we did enjoy the grounds and the bbq area. All our needs were catered for.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah-Ann G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, peaceful, more than we expected!
Our family of 6 (dad,mum,17,15,6 and 4) had the best time. The school was exactly as described. Waking to the birds, relaxing in the sun, playing tennis, board games and swimming all made for a great stay. Neil and Liz are great hosts and there are so many lovely touches throughout the school. Best place we've ever stayed!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect stopover!
We loved our stay at Anama - it was the perfect stop with two teenagers after a long drive. They took straight to the tennis court and we were able to relax and pull together a meal in the well equipped kitchen. The whole premises are beautifully restored and decorated and a credit to the owners. A really special place (and we have stayed in many!). We will definitely return:-)
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding property
Our family of 7 with 3 generations aged from 2-85 had a wonderful time . The property was very clean and we couldn’t fault anything . The open space was great for the younger and older family members . And the swimming pool was a great escape from the hot days playing tennis . The strawberry’s kindly given from the owners garden were delicious . We would certainly recommend the property to others .
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Philippa C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay - accommodation well done
We enjoyed our stay in this repurposed school. The setting has lovely trees and space and having the tennis court was fun - its a great spot for a family holiday.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katya E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing as always
This is our third time staying with Liz and Neil at this amazing accommodation. The hosts are very friendly and extremely accommodating, we are really grateful for their hospitality. The accommodation itself is one of our favourites secret getaways, very peaceful and quiet, beautifully decorated, with lots of special touches. Kids always enjoy the abundance of games, and my husband and I love spending our time o the private tennis court. The functioning pool was an additional nice surprise for the whole family this time.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderfully tranquil
An absolutely fantastic place. Well cared for and beautiful. It really is wonderful - I shall be raving about it to everyone :0)
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie A.

Liked: Cleanliness
I want to live here forever.
I have been on vacation with my mom and nephew. We have stayed several places in the last few days. We had lots of choices to rest our heads, but as a former school teacher, my dream is to live in a schoolhouse. Liz and Neil allowed me to experience it first hand. Large central room, with all the trappings of a true classroom, chalk and all. Three proper bedroom with all the comforts. A great bath with a large tub and shower. And although we did not use the kitchen, it was one a person could really cook in. Walking the grounds, playing hopscotch, dipping my fingers in the pool, chatting with the sheep were all outside activities I took advantage of. We only stayed one night but I wish it could have been many more.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vicki L., Christchurch

Liked: Cleanliness
Celebrate our wedding anniversary
Loved our stay ❤️ so relaxing and peaceful Would definitely come back again
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Niki Rob D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous country Location
Special place that has a lovely history. Perfect location for all there is to offer. We certainly were taken care of. Thanks Liz & Neil
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phillippa D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Kid heaven
What a great weekend. Four kids ages 14, 13, 12 and 11 all had a blast swimming, playing tennis, biking and enjoying the country air (not to mention the Rugby World Cup semi finals). Another successful ramble through the Mayfield second hand store with a Jamie Oliver cookbook I've been keeping an eye out for, and a set of 4 China side plates. We're already planning our next trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

lesley m., Christchurch

Liked: Cleanliness
Last stop on our road trip
This was the perfect end to our road trip. The property truly exceeded our expectations, and we were plotting as to how we could stay much longer. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S., Port Stephens

Liked: Cleanliness
Farm stay in heaven
We loved this property. Had the best game of tennis. Loved how clean and well renovated it was. We wished we'd stayed longer.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

General property information

Check-In Time
3:00 PM
Check-Out Time
11:00 AM
Location
Mt Somers, Surrey Hills
Structure Type
Private vacation home