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Reviews of EcoFarmstayNZ Retro-style cottage

EcoFarmstayNZ Retro-style cottage
Porirua, Wellington

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 42 out of 50 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 50 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 50 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

marc p.

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly recommend
Highly recommend this accommodation if you are seeking a private, secluded place to stay but within easy, short travel to the city (any of Wgtn, Lower Hutt or Porirua). The deck area is fantastic - a view of the forest, great couches and the hot tub. We will definitely book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great!
Our stay was amazing! Jackie was so kind, the scenery was beautiful and overall me and my partner had a very lovely romantic and RELAXING stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Apr 2024
Aww thanks Alyssa, it was a pleasure to host you. We look forward to your next stay!

10/10 Excellent

Aidan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Back again!
4th time staying here. I think that says it all. Love it.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Reed I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rural Feels Close to the City
An amazing location where you get the proper feeling of being out on a picturesque farmland overlooking the mountains while still being a short drive to the city for if you want the city feels again. Hosts were amazing, leaving us mostly to ourselves but being available if we needed and a great conversation which is exactly what I like in a stay. Don't let the eco side put you off either if you're hesitant about that side, I'm a full-blown city boy and there wasn't anything I couldn't get my head around and it's a great example of how things can be done with barely a noticeable difference in your day to day life. Highly recommend staying here for anyone looking to get away from the city but may also want to pop back in on occasion.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jen C., Wellington, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Picture perfect
I really enjoyed my two night stay. The little cottage and large deck were perfect for a mid week getaway for some peace and quiet. Loved the fruit trees and the gaggle of geese that visited each afternoon.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maxine R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Restful and chill
A well thought out cute and quirky cottage with everything you need today unplug and relax. The hot tub is divine, and the big comfy outdoor couch is the perfect spot to enjoy a wine or a coffee and watch the birds. We loved it!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne T., New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace, solace and Solla Sollew!
So glad to have had this last minute chance for a break. A great way to start the new year in peace and comfort. Very laid back. We enjoyed the hosts’ hospitality with delicious wine and jam and many other thoughtful details. Being able to check out late meant a relaxed last morning too. This will be a great place to stay for future work in Wellington too as it’s very convenient for both Porirua and the Hutt. Thanks very much!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jan 2024
Lovely guests, left the place perfect, would host again and look forward to a return visit.

10/10 Excellent

Kirsteen M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing! Great weekend away
This was amazing! Jackie is a great host, very considerate, and the cottage was filled with everything we could possibly need and more. verything was intuitive to use and we really appreciated how eco conscious the whole place was. It really was the perfect place to spend our anniversary :)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Edmund B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing spot!
We had a lovely two nights here, it's very relaxing if you just want to chill.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2023
Thanks Edmund, Glad you liked it. Looking forward to your next stay!

10/10 Excellent

Howard Vincent

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aidan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Love it!
This place really is one of the most relaxing places I’ve ever stayed.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Mar 2023
Thanks Aidan! Glad to have you back again to recharge the batteries. See you next time!

10/10 Excellent

Pippa K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary getaway!
We had a wonderful night away in this wee cottage. Jackie was very helpful and friendly, it was a pleasure to have a wee chat with her on arrival. We were very comfortable in the charming wee cottage. It was beautiful sitting outside watching the birds, relaxing in the hammock, and the outdoor bath was lovely too. The handmade wine and soap were a bonus! Thanks Jackie and family :)
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Justin L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent Retreat
The perfect retreat just within a 30 min drive of the city. Lovely estate to explore.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sanctuary for Rejuvenation
This warm and comfortable whare has everything required to get away from it all and treat yourself to a night of rest and relaxation. It felt like a sanctuary, tucked away amongst nature, with the sounds of a flowing stream, native birds and the rustling of leaves, reminding you to just sit and breathe. At night we soaked in the hottub under the stars, listening to the Ruru calling out in the hills while enjoying the homemade wine from the hosts. Stretching out in the morning on the couches on the deck with our coffee, and not having to rush off was a perfect way to end our stay.Thank you for your manakitanga
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Teryl C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hot tub was amazing
Loved the hot tub and the hammock. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

6/10 Okay

Keith W.

Eco farm
Pretty basic
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Dec 2022
Thanks for your review. Sorry it didn't meet your high expectations. All the best with your travels home to South Africa.

10/10 Excellent

rachel H.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was a fantastic place to visit. Absolutely stunning and the hosts have thought of everything.
This property is set in a quiet location but it is so accessible to everything. The place itself is so peaceful and feels like you’re a world away from everything. It is extremely well set up and we loved every minute of it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful little cottage on a gorgeous property
Very impressed by the stay - there is so much care and attention to detail put into everything. The decor is adorable and the big deck with couches and a view is the perfect place to unwind. We had such a memorable and special holiday. Jackie was a lovely host as well and made sure we had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Anthony W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy and peaceful retreat
Well presented place and lovely backdrop Very handy place to commute around all nearby places Very well hosted Thanks so much from us
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

pania w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sweet wee cottage and outdoor bath was just lovely and we felt very welcomed and relaxed thanks.
A lovely break away.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

SARINA H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Slice of heaven
I loved everything about this property. The sound of the creek and fire place... the hot tub.... The pretty cottage... beautiful design inside... loving owners.... neighbours not close... bedding clean modern and comfortable. I absolutely loved it.. I already have family who came to see me who now want to book here aswell. Very close to upper hutt and lower hutt... but you feel like you in the middle of paradise.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jen C., Wellington, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely peaceful stay.
Me and my 10 year old had a wonderful time playing games, eating marshmallows, lying in the hammock and soaking in the hot tub. Thanks for your hospitality.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacey L., Wellington

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic night away
We had a brilliant stay. It felt like we were tucked away in our own private corner of nature (while still being easy driving distance from Wellington city). The gorgeous wee space has been lovingly renovated and we were inspired by all the eco practices. Thoroughly recommended!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

gaia m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great nature gateway
We really enjoyed our stay. The farm is big and beautiful and the cottage has a lot of amenities and outside space. The hot tub is great. The listing referred to three separate bedrooms and that was not the case, but overall it was wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Asher D.

Liked: Cleanliness
FUN
Will be going back forsure!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ngahina W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely beautiful 😍 ❤
We absolutely loved our stay, everything was perfect, Jackie was so inviting, we turned up and there was a cute little welcome sign on the driveway, the cottage was perfect and so clean. They definitely thought of everything, they even gave us a bottle of there wine 🍷 and home made soap so thoughtful. I love how much they look after there quest from selection of cereal, marshmallows, games, speaker,charging station, just wow. We enjoyed feeding the eels at the river, watching the rabbits and goose on the hills playing while the sun went down, and the babies enjoyed the tub thru the day and we enjoyed it at night when they were asleep. I would definitely recommend this to other, in fact I already have. Thank you so much for having us it is such a beautiful place I would love to come back again 🙂
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynn W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lazy Days
We had a lovely 4 night relaxing break tucked off the beaten track in a cute cottage overlooking farmland and a stream. It was very peaceful with abundant birdlife. The deck was perfect to sit out on and we enjoyed many hours reading or playing cards. The hot tub was a special bonus sitting out under the stars. Easy access to Wellington (30mins). Hosts were great. Very responsive. Would love to stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alison M.

Liked: Cleanliness
I really want to keep this a secret
I really don’t want to share how special this place is as I want to keep it all to myself! So close yet feels so far away from hustle and bustle of the city. I can’t wait to return
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2022
Aww thanks Alison! It was a hard decision for us too to share our property with guests, but it's too special to keep just to ourselves. I'm glad the cottage was everything you hoped for, and we look forward to seeing you, and all your friends, soon. The secret to getting the exact dates you are after is to book well ahead!

10/10 Excellent

Jessica P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome little getaway in a secluded area host where friendly and helpful and easy to deal with
Would defiently stay again and be able to explore more
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Cleo J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good stay
Lovely simple little place. Had fun. Shame that the weather was raining as wanted to use hot tub.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Nov 2021
Thanks for your review Cleo. Hopefully we can give you 5 star weather next time you come stay - I know you were so looking forward to soaking in the hot tub, just not in a torrent!

10/10 Excellent

Kirstie B., Wellington

Liked: Cleanliness
The Perfect Staycation
This place is amazing! Sitting out on the huge covered deck we couldn’t see another house. Just some native bush with a few large pines and a couple of Kereru and Piwakawaka hanging about. We took an opportunity one day to sit in the afternoon sun for hours on an outdoor couch. Not bad for the middle of winter! And the only noise was the river below us. The hot tub was a total hit and two steamed raisins got out of it every night ;-) But it was all the thoughtful little touches that really were the icing on the cake for us. A vase of fresh spring flowers, a jar full of jet planes, a collection of fascinating books, crisp clean linen on a cozy yummy bed, hot water bottles, gumboots in all sizes, a hammock; the list goes on. And Jackie (and Alex and Alistair) really were top-notch hosts. We have stayed in a few bookabach type accommodations over the years and we reckon Jackie could run a school teaching ‘short-term accomodation hosting 101 and beyond’. Thanks so much for a magical break away with everything we could want for, all without leaving our region. Looking forward to coming back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Aidan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend away!!
Have been here before and will definitely be coming back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anita S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical place to stay!
Was exceptional! To many personal touches to list... home made soap, jam and wine to enjoy just to start! Hot tub by fire at night and a lay in with fresh coffee in the morning in the most comfortable bed was perfect. They have thought of everything! Jackie and her little son entertained me with feeding the cows and an informative walk around the little farm added to the whole experience. I absolutely love love loved my stay and most definitely will stay again and would recommend to anyone!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Aidan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely fab weekend away
This place was great, beautiful spot for a weekend out of the city for me and my two girls. Jackie and Alistair were fantastic hosts, really worth letting them give you a tour of the farm to hear all about the things they are doing there, including helping feed the cows! But also a perfect spot just to sit in the wood-fired hot tub and relax.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Chloe L., Te Aro

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely break from the city
Everything was lovely and clean, beautiful views over the property. Much needed quiet time. Road is a little noisy during the day, but not a huge deal.

10/10 Excellent

Kareen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Kaitoke conquering BFFs
We arrived to the quaintest place, welcoming host and with an abundance of small thought-out details that just made our night away from home a blissful experience. The hot tub was great, the beds were comfortable and we would have liked to explore a bit more. Thanks for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alana R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely retro styled retreat, great selection of books and the outdoor bath was fabulous!
Easy for a quick retreat/ getaway for the weekend and well positioned to access either coast or central attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

David A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great relaxed break
The property was exactly what we expected, photo's are accurate and up to date and everything is explained up front so you know what you are getting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Derwent, Hawkes Bay, NZ

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a beautiful spot to get away from city life, yet so close to the city! Private and tucked away in some rolling hills near a small stream. Great woodfired tub and all the wildlife right at your doorstep.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Allan P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great little Get Away
This is such a wonderful little getaway. So close to Wellington, yet you would never know. Great hosts, great location, and the hot tub was pretty good as well. we will definitely be back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic relaxing getaway
We absolutely loved our stay, a perfect location for a birthday treat! The cottage is very cosy, having a BBQ on the deck, swinging in a hammock reading interesting books that are in the property and lying in the wood-fired hot tub looking up at the stars! You can't go wrong! We also loved all of the environmentally friendly elements of the cottage and grounds. Had a great chat with Jackie about bees and cow chases and she kindly gave us some home-brewed wine! We would definitely recommend staying here!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mitch C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice get away not too far from town but feel miles away
Relaxing and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2020
Thanks Mitch, glad we could provide a relaxing sanctuary without the long drive time! Looking forward to your next stay.

10/10 Excellent

Ella H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect get away!
A beautiful wee spot for a get away from the city for a night. Loved the atmosphere and the hosts were so accommodating and easy to work with. We especially liked all the wee touches like flowers on the table, marshmallows for toasting, and lighting the fire for the hot tub before we arrived. We would definitely come back and recommend to friends!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2020
Thanks Ella, Glad you had a great time here, it was a delight to host you for the special occasion. We look forward to seeing you again, and your friends, soon!

8/10 Good

Chontelle W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Little Touches
Really cute little place. The hosts really put a lot of effort into the small touches there. Lovely little place with a lot of charm. Was a shame we didn’t get to use the hot tub as it was a bit windy but enjoyed a night away from the real world. Jackie was even kind enough to give us an early check in due to no Friday night reservation! We didn’t realise it was so close to the main road, however you could hardly hear the cars at night so wasn’t noticeable. Great place for a last minute getaway but close to home so no travel time!
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2020
Hi Chontelle, Glad you had a great time even if the wind didn't cooperate with the fire for heating the hot tub. All the new landscaping will provide more shelter from wind as it matures so that isn't an issue for your next stay and you will be able to rate our place a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

10/10 Excellent

Hannah B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway
This little cabin is lovely - set up for everything you need with a fab deck. The section is also beautiful - a great little getaway super close to Wellington!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2020
Thanks Hannah, glad you had a great time. We look forward to hosting you again on your future getaways.

10/10 Excellent

Charissa, Wellington

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The Solla Sollew cottage was a beautiful escape from the city. The hot tub was so relaxing, and easy to use with the advice from the lovely Jackie. This place is truly a gem - with little thoughtful, handmade extras which really make this place special. It was great to hear about and see all the hard work the hosts put into the property to ensure it is eco-friendly. Thank you for the lovely time, this is a place I would definitely recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Evania L., Burnham

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint vintage stay
Jacquie was a eccellent communicator. All the little details were fantastic.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2020
It was a delight to host you! Great to see you taking full advantage of all the retro details for your photoshoot during your stay, it looks fantastic in the photos you shared with me. We look forward to seeing you again.

8/10 Good

Brianna L., Portland, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute
Very cute accommodation. If you don’t plan on having a rental car this is not an ideal stay. Uber will cost you $100 from the airport and there’s no grocery stores you can walk to or bus to. When inquiring about the bus/train situation we were lead to believe that a stop was nearby, this wasn’t the case. The hosts are really nice but we were put a bit off. We were excited about the trampoline as we both like tumbling but it was never mentioned on our “tour”. We were also told about the wood fired tub but only when we asked about it, this was what made my decision to stay. However when we asked it made it seem like an inconvenience. Showering seemed like a hassle coordinating with the family and dogs (as they had to be put away). So I sponge bathed each night with provided bowls. The breakfast options were lovely— with all the spreads a few slices of bread would have really made the trip. The internet wasn’t working when we got there but they were quick to fix that. It was a fun experience but I think a few things could be worked on. I would recommend the rustic experience but be very prepared. Also, don’t let the toilet situation put you off. I believe it’ll be a much more pleasant stay with a shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2020
Hi Brianna, Thanks for taking the time to do such a detailed review. We enjoyed having you stay, and we are sorry your experience wasn't perfect. In rural areas public transport is limited, and although the bus stop is in front of our next door neighbour, it's 800m away and has very few services. Visitors considering using the bus are always recommended to check the timetable will suit before relying on this transport option. The hot tub takes a few hours to warm up. If guests let us know they will arrive late but want to use it, we can start warming it for them, to coincide with their planned use. I'm pleased to say a shower has been installed in the cottage, along with a very pleasant outdoor area from which to enjoy the scenery, relax and unwind. We'd love to see you again so you can experience for yourself the improvements. Please get in touch with us to arrange a special rate for your next booking.

10/10 Excellent

Torben S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
Just perfect with a lot of love.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2020
Thanks Torben. We've made a lot of improvements to 'perfect' since your stay, so we look forward to seeing you again for you to enjoy these.

10/10 Excellent

kathleen w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best value city break away
After 20 years of celebrating our wedding anniversary this year we decided to stay close to home but we wanted to feel like we were in the country. Staying at this property was perfect. Gorgeous repurpose school dental clinic with fab retro touches. Our stay included breakfast, homemade wine and kombucha and a whole bunch of interesting books to pore over. Fantastic value for money and only 20 mins form Wellington CBD.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2020
Kathleen and Ralph, we enjoyed hosting you for your anniversary. We've made the property even more romantic with a gorgeous two person hot tub and stunning deck to lounge around on, swinging on the hammock or dining under the stars. I think you'll like the landscaping which now has a firepit right outside for marshmallows. Hope to see you every year. Jackie and Alister.