Dabble in manor life at Black Sheep Farm

While visitors to Bream Bay most often spend their days gazing out to sea, an alternative verdant view is just as awe-inspiring. Black Sheep Farm is a hidden gem, a grand country homestead looking out onto paddocks of fuzzy black sheep and an organic veggie patch. At the back of the multi-bedroom B&B, a wooden path leads to a deck jutting out over a valley covered in native bush. It’s hard to imagine a better place to relax with a glass of wine, accompanied by a symphony of birdsong and a burbling stream — and it’s just one of the many reasons that Lisa and Anthony Uphof first fell in love with the property eight years ago.

The former Aucklanders met on a superyacht in Spain and chased their dream lifestyle all the way to Bream Bay. With their two daughters —Mirabella and Gabriella — they welcome guests into their home. There are ocean views from two of the three huge rooms of this storybook-perfect homestead, which has a sweeping staircase, four hectares of bush and the occasional classical music or theatre performance in the lounge (next to the open fire, of course).

There are three rooms, all en suite, and breakfast is included. The homestead is within walking distance of the Waipu Coastal Track, and the beach is just down the road. Concert dates can be found on the website. 1034 Cove Road, Langs Beach, (09) 432 0435, blacksheepfarm.co.nz