Hidden treasure: A boot hotel
After a few wines, a Tasman couple decided they’d build a giant boot hotel. finds what it’s like inside.
Most of us have the odd outrageous idea while enjoying a glass of wine. But most of the time, come the morning after, all that it amounts to is a grape depression.
But occasionally – very occasionally – an idea that is germinated with too much red wine becomes a reality. And I’ve just stepped inside such a thing: a giant boot hotel.
Yes, you read that right. A twostorey boot. And not any old boot; this is a fairytale love boot.
We’re just outside Tasman village, about 30 minutes from Nelson – but it feels like we’ve entered another world. We’re greeted by a giant Easter Island-style head carving, as we drive into Jester House – almost a real-life version of Alice in Wonderland.
Passionate and super-friendly locals Judy and Steve Richards bought six acres of bare farmland in 1991, and transformed it with their own spectacular rammed earth house, and more than 10,000 trees.
After launching a successful cafe, Jester House, they yearned for their next project – a more intimate hospitality experience. Judy explains one bottle of wine, led to another – and all of a sudden, they had the concept of a giant boot.
It took a year to build, enlisting the help of a boat builder to help construct the curve of the shoe. And the results are beyond spectacular.
The boot is nestled in a chestnut grove, overlooking bush and a little river. There is an outdoor patio – built around a large open fire – for nights under the stars. Inside is another large fire in front of the ‘‘lovers chair’’.
It’s best to think of the boot anatomically, so that I can help orientate you. If you imagine where your toes would go – that’s the dining area. In the heel, you’ll find a bathroom with underfloor heating and a double head shower. And the pie` ce de re´ sistance - up the spiral staircase – you’ll find the second storey ‘bootroom’. This features a large bed overlooking the bush – complete with its own Juliet balcony.
There’s no mistaking The Boot is a romantic retreat. Modern distractions like Netflix and Spotify are replaced with candles and books focusing on love and the art of kissing.
The guest book – overflowing with praise – almost reads like romantic fiction. But that’s the thing about this place: it turns a fairytale into reality.
While lounging by the fire with good food and wine is highly recommended, if you want to explore, there are no shortage of options. Nearby are bush walks through the property, and wineries to explore.
Just a few minutes down the road is the magnificent little town of Motueka, where you’ll always find the Toad Hall brimming with excellent food and crowds. If you have a soft spot for doughnuts, The Smoking Barrel is unmissable. It pumps out more than 400 doughnuts a day on the weekend, with their latest creation being the cheeseburger doughnut. Yes, it’s a full burger, including meat patty, hermetically sealed inside a doughnut. It’s a feat of food engineering genius.
Abel Tasman National Park is only a short drive away, with plenty of day trips to explore its emerald waters and golden bays.
But, in reality, a trip to The Boot is almost always about an experience for two. The rest is a distraction.
Because, in this case, there was not an old lady that lived in a shoe.
It is a special place, meant just for you.
The author travelled with the support of NelsonTasman.nz, and this article was commissioned with the support of Tourism New Zealand.