A new Retreat at Kingfisher cottage

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It is 8 years since we first started to develop Kingfisher Cottage in Matakana. In March 2024 we found ourselves in the position of having a spare, separate property on our 4 acres. My mother died in hospital and after her residence on our land for three years, we decided it was time to convert her home into a place to stay. It would be part of our plan to have several sources of income - a portfolio lifestyle.

The Retreat at Kingfisher Cottage is the result. It was a hard decision to sell all of her furniture and ornaments, but we didn't want it to become a shrine to mum, we wanted it to be a new and relaxing place for couples to enjoy. This is her legacy...a beautiful place in which others can relax. It also has the most happy and positive feel to the place...we often sit there with a coffee enjoying the peace. We joke that we might actually move in there...!

We are nearly there...hoping to open in Spring - maybe September. We are enjoying the process and learning a lot. It's good to take time ... some things have been surprising (like how strong people feel about the way a bed is made)! 

Making the place as self sufficient as we can will also tie in with our ethos here. We will continue to sell plants and trees through KIngfisher Cottage, but now add short term rentals. As a income that is part of our diverse portfolio strategy, we will not need full time occupancy. In fact, we would like to be able to have the freedom to offer this to our close friends and family as a treat when they stay.



Location: Matakana, New Zealand

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