After reading reviews on TripAdvisor of the Stonehaven Homestay, my friend and I decided it was the best place to book in the wine region near Blenheim. THANK YOU to all of you who steered us to this off-the-beaten-path gem! John and Paulette greated us warmly upon our arrival making sure to let us know that the Stonehaven is a homestay (opposed to your typical bed and breakfast) where we could make ourselves at home in the house. The room my friend and I stayed in was their smallest meant for two single travellers, and it was perfect for what we wanted. There were two single beds -- perfect for two single gals to rest during a whirl-wind New Zealand tour. The beds were abolutely a dream in terms of comfort and the plush linens provided made us feel like royalty.

And while the inn is picturesque amongst beautiful blue hills and lush vineyards, the hosts are really what made our stay special John and Paulette's warmth and hospitality was unrivaled -- especially at breakfast with the most amazing homemade orange-cream-cheese muffins I've ever eaten. (I've tried countless times to recreate them at home in vain!) We had our breakfast out in a separate room overlooking the pool and sometimes had a special guest (their dog Bessie) waiting outside the door to see if anyone had any extra bacon. After breakfast, we had time to explore the local vineyards via a wine tour and then off to dinner at a local restaurant recommended by John and Paulette. All in all -- I'd highly recommend the Stonehaven to anyone looking for a peaceful respite with all the comforts of home.

My wife & I have recently returned from a self planned world trip.
We stayed in ALL types of accommodation from 5 star resorts to
BB's in 80 nights in & 8 countries. Without a shadow of a doubt the best welcome and the best of everything was had in Stonehaven
Homestay. I am surprised that anyone can get a reservation at any time because there are only 3 beautifully appointed suites. It really is a place that every discerning traveller should visit. We met some very interesting fellow guests at their fabulous breakfast. Anyone seriously thinking of getting involved in this type of business must visit this place and found out " how it should be done ". To John & Paulette my sincere thanks for two outstanding nights.
We live in Bermuda where it is stated " bermudians are the friendliest people " Stonehaven is as friendly as any Bermuda welcome!

We stayed with John and Paulette for two nights in February and would like to reassure anyone researching accommodation in Blenheim that they will not be disappointed if they chose Stonehaven. I knew by the letters and advice I received from Paulette before our stay that we were going to love it and we were not disappointed. We agree with all of the wonderful things that have been said about John and Paulette, the warm reception, the conversation, the beautiful rooms and the fantastic breakfasts. Paulette even sent us on our hike on the Queen Charlotte Track with some of her home baked muffins. We left Blenheim knowing that we had made some new friends and we hope that some day we will have the opportunity to stay with them again.

From Pat and Roy Terry, Bishops Waltham Hampshire.

We stayed at Stonehaven on February 22nd/23rd 2008 and
we had a great welcome from Paulette and John and were delighted with the accommodation set in the midst of Blenheim Vineyards.

Our room was extremely comfortable with wonderfull views across the Vineyard.

Breakfast was sumptious with a wide choice of dishes from continental to hearty cooked meals set in a wonderfull breakfast room overlooking the pool.

The initial welcome was matched by the caring and warm hospitality we enjoyed during our stay.

In the 7 weeks we were travelling this was our favourite.

Paulette and John are wonderfull hosts and our 2 nights went by
far too quickly.

In a word , Historic!