Soak it up
Debbie Griffiths finds thoughtful details in every corner of Falcon’s Nest, a compact but immaculate retreat overlooking a sheep and beef farm in Bay of Plenty.
A cleverly designed tiny house in Bay of Plenty offers serenity and plenty of marshmallow roasting opportunities.
The place
Falcon’s Nest is the shape of a large shipping container, but that is where the similarity ends.
This tiny house is clad with cedar and charcoal and looks immaculate. It has been cleverly designed with luxurious mod cons and is humbly perched on a hill overlooking a 202-hectare sheep and beef farm.
As a result, although we hear livestock and the odd tractor in the distance, we feel completely private during our two-night stay.
The owners’ attention to detail is phenomenal. The hot tub is full for our arrival, eggs and fresh fruit have been left for breakfast, and marshmallows on the shelf are ready to be cooked over the brazier.
There’s even insect repellent and a discreet container in the bathroom that contains BandAids. Wood is ready beside the log burner in the lounge and there are games and books on the offchance that we run out of conversation.
The decor is show-home beautiful and the linen on the bed is upmarket as well as cosy and welcoming. The massive dining table on the porch is handmade by friends of our hosts and rough logs are used as stools.
Location
About half an hour out of Mt Maunganui, Falcon’s Nest is just the other side of Paengaroa.
The cabin faces north, towards the coastline of Papamoa, and has views across farmland and rolling hills that form a valley that draws the eye to the ocean and Mayor Island in the distance. Peaceful and quiet, big skies offer starry nights – bookended by colourful sunsets and sunrises.
The interior is beautifully designed and exquisitely styled, and has thoughtful details in every space. A lounge area with a woodburner is set at one end of the cabin, with the kitchen and bathroom separating it from the bedroom at the other end.
A generous deck provides a shady area to dine and enjoy the view from the hot tub.
A large lawn to the front of the cabin has a brazier. In the evening, after a busy day exploring all the area has to offer, cosy up on the bean bags in front of it with a marshmallow stick in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.
Stepping out
Falcon’s Nest has all you need to prepare the food you bring. With rain falling on our first night, we spread a picnic blanket in front of the fire and enjoyed a rustic meal.
If you want a break from cooking, though, The Trading Post is a French Bistro in Paengaroa just a 10-minute drive away. The menu proudly features seasonal local produce.
A little further afield at Papamoa Beach
(25 minutes away) is Bluebiyou, a contemporary bistro restaurant and bar with fantastic ocean views. A 20-minute drive away in Te Puke is Jellicoe Street Bar and Eatery.
The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Paengaroa.
Highlights
The enormous sky for incredible sunrises, sunsets and stargazing at night. With the Milky Way curving above, the hot tub with a glass of wine is the best place to enjoy the serenity. We loved that the warbling magpies announced the sunrise. We woke to find the eastern horizon pinking up and the low cloud lifting to reveal rolling hills.
With sheep on the hill in the middle distance and the cows lowing as a tractor in the valley below delivered hay, this couldn’t be more Kiwi.
Lowlights
Keeping your hands out of the marshmallow jar. It’s tough. But charring those gooey balls of happiness over the brazier is worth the sugar hit.
Insider tip
Get the local knowledge from your super-friendly hosts, Rachel and Brad. When the rain cleared, Rachel dropped by with two bean bags that became our favourite places to hang out. She recommended a cycle track that we intend to return to try out, and had the lowdown on great places to see and eat.
Essentials
Falcon’s Nest sleeps two adults. Rates start from $320 a night. Visit canopycamping.co.nz/falconsnest for details.
The writer was a guest of Falcon’s Nest.