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Small off-grid family bach with all the basics for a relaxing but memorable stay

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Golf
Exterior
Aerial view
Kitchen-dining-living area
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 666 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Island Block, Otago
  • Roxburgh Golf Course
    ā€Ŗ18 min driveā€¬
  • Roxburgh Dam
    ā€Ŗ28 min driveā€¬
  • Mitchells Cottage
    ā€Ŗ45 min driveā€¬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bunkroom

1 Double Futon and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Living room

1 Single Bed

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap Ā· Towels provided Ā· Bathtub or shower Ā· Bathtub Ā· Toilet Ā· Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Small off-grid family bach with all the basics for a relaxing but memorable stay

This bach is let on a self clean basis, NO cleaning or linen hire fees. Queen bed, bunk bed with bottom couch folding down to a double, a divan bed, floor mattress and portacot available on request. (Sorry, less suited to more than 1 older couple at a time due to the sleeping arrangements). Don't worry - we DO have a hot shower and flush loo, but no wifi - although there is good cellphone coverage.

Immerse yourself in the rural sights and sounds and feel free to wander down to the river for a paddle, picnic, or try your luck catching a fish or panning for gold! Relax on the deck with a book borrowed from our extensive supply and enjoy an evening drink while the light changes over the Old Man Range to the north. Finally, be lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of the mighty Clutha, with not a care in the world!

Plenty of other activites and points of interest in the area, including cycling or walking the Clutha Gold Trail, 4-wheel-driving, fruit picking (in season), sightseeing historical ā€œGold Rushā€ points of interest, then enjoy the country ambiance at the Millers Flat Pub. There's so much to do, it's a destination in itself and many guests have told us that they wished they'd stayed longer.

In staying with us you are helping to fund a native revegetation programme on the property, which you are welcome to inspect.

Whether you're after a romantic getaway for two or a fun family experience away from technology that the kids will never forget, look no further.

Please note that we have introduced an enhanced cleaning policy to help protect against COVID-19. Weā€™ve also made our cancellation policy kinder for guests, so please be considerate to others by not coming if you have fever, coughing or difficulty breathing. Please also be aware that this is an eco-friendly off-grid bach and the clothes dryer is a portable air-drying rack. ;-)

Property manager

Sarah Kennedy

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0ā€“17
The deck does not have a safety barrier.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Certain conditions apply
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
This property is let on a self-clean basis. Please leave it as clean or cleaner than when you arrived.
Please leave all gates as you found them. (Shut if shut and open if open)
If you are unwell immediately prior to your stay, itā€™s best that you recover at home. Please message us so we can try to arrange a full refund for you

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Map
Island Block, Otago

What's nearby

  • Roxburgh Golf Course - 18 min drive - 25.2 km
  • Roxburgh Dam - 28 min drive - 36.8 km
  • St. Patrick's Catholic Church - 32 min drive - 47.2 km
  • Mitchells Cottage - 45 min drive - 61.0 km
  • Roxburgh Gorge Trail - 54 min drive - 75.9 km

Restaurants

  • ā€ŖFaigan's Cafe and Store - ā€¬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Small off-grid family bach with all the basics for a relaxing but memorable stay pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Small off-grid family bach with all the basics for a relaxing but memorable stay?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Small off-grid family bach with all the basics for a relaxing but memorable stay?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Small off-grid family bach with all the basics for a relaxing but memorable stay located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is 12 mi (19.4 km) from Roxburgh Golf Course and within 20 miles (32 km) of Teviot Union Parish and Roxburgh Dam. Victoria Dam and Peace Garden are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Louise Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

Lovely holiday with a great kiwi batch feel
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private and Peaceful

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Relaxing and loved the location. Stunning views and a doggie paradise šŸ˜€
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Adelle S., New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Stunning

Such a beautiful and peaceful property. The bach and surrounding areas are stunning. Highly recommend to anyone thinking of staying!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Candice H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We had a relaxing stay, the location is peaceful and there are views from every window.

We loved the nature aspect of this property, unfortunately the weather was wet..wet..wet
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place Great View

Fantastic Bach in a beautiful location. Lots of little touches that made the stay great. Sarah was great to deal with and great communication. We will be back
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl & Simon P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Spot for Rest and Relaxation

If you want a "real holiday", away from all the cares of the world, and your own, this is the perfect place! The bach provided everything we needed and more - facilities, comfort, scenery, the river, stargazing opportunities, reading material - and an atmosphere that was so easy to completely relax in! Awesome hosts too. :-)
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

James P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy and Peaceful

This unique bach is brimming with charm. From the enjoyable view of the stunning Clutha and surrounding Teviot Valley, to the well made and snug bach, this place has all you need to feel truly relaxed.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

Awesome, comfy and cosy wee bach. Amazing spot with beautiful scenery and the river a 2minute walk. Both myself and the kids really enjoyed our stay and i look forward to coming back with my partner for a nice wee romantic getaway. Thank you guys very much.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ātaahua!

Absolutely beautiful scenery, cozy whare, awesome bach! Ngā mihi nui.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Claire A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magnificent

Beautiful sunny location with rural and river views. Loved the front deck and swing seat. Much attention to detail on the interior with nice bed linen. No risk of getting cold with that fire place and enjoyed the novelty of using the fire as oven. Very appreciative of being able to take the dogs. šŸ¾
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Incredible

This property was AMAZING, surpassed only by our host Sarah, who solidified our love of the land & people. This bach hit everything we wanted for our exploration of Central Otago; quiet, clean and comfortable in a beautiful rural setting. Situated on a working farm, this self-contained house overlooks a beautiful river, fruit orchards and clear skies. Our first night, we could not figure out how to turn out the porch light, only to discover the light was the clearest and brightest moon I have seen in years. And we got a double treat with a lunar eclipse our second night - amazing !!! Sarah exceeded our wildest expectations with fresh fruit from the orchard, outstanding recommendations on nearby places to visit and setting us with local vendors. Sarah went so far as to help relay messages when our cell service died. When you stay here, be sure to visit TallyHo Wool Carding, about 12 km down the road; wonderful products and outrageously funny proprietors !! In closing, the only reason we rated Sarah and her property as a 5 is there is no 6 or above !!! We will travel a day out of our way to stay here again, even if for only one night. A must stay in Central Otago. Sarah - thank you for being ā€œThe host with the mostā€ !!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Spectacular

Really beautiful setting, house was small yet very comfortable with a log burner that was more than up to the job of heating the place. Would highly recommend. Only one thing to be aware of, and this is in no way meant as a negative. If the weather is wet cars such as the sisters Prius will experience difficulties getting up the last section of the lane.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

barry p.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Autumn colours

Weird system where I thought I'd booked a holiday only to be told post payment that the property manager would get back in the next 24 hours to confirm suitability. Not ideal when shopping close to arrival time. That said, loved the place. Really good location and orientation of a perfect Bach. Super clean, tidy and full of what you need and more. Loved cooking and eating the roast cooked in the log burner oven. Warm and cosy
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paola C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a great stay

My partner and I had such a wonderful time at the Bach . There is everything you need and some lovely touches from Sarah. We very much enjoyed the location, did some fishing and cycled to the horse shoe bend. Hopefully weā€™ll be able to be back soon. Thank you Sarah!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun, laughter, magic views.

Love it so much here. Easy to forget what is going on in the world right now. Lovely Bach and very welcoming host. Thanks again for the privilege to stay here. šŸ˜Š
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful peaceful bach

Sarah and John have an amazing property with absolutely stunning views. The Bach is well equipped and toasty warm with lovely homely touches. If peace and relaxation is what you are after then this is definitely the place.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

tahlia b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing getaway!

Such a beautiful spot for a wee holiday. The Bach is tidy & homely and it was so nice to bring our dogs along too. Loved it!!

10/10 Excellent

Brad A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Much needed escape

We had a wonderful time at this wee crib. It was well stocked with all the essentials (firewood, blankets, coffee, boardgames, books, etc.) We managed to get a good balance of rest and exploring. The only thing I would change is the main bed - we found it very uncomfortable but others might not :)
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mara A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Off-grid rural luxury

Rural and rustic on the outside and comfy and warm with many touches of luxury on the inside. And a fabulous location for fishing the Clutha at your doorstep or cycling the Clutha Gold Trail . Or just sit on the deck and enjoy the glorious view.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

James M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A very special place indeed

Donā€™t really want to let the secret out too much but a wonderful place to relax and enjoy. Lovely view of the river and so quiet and peaceful. A real treat.

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay!

Superb bach with great views and well appointed. Great to be off grid but have luxury too. Drinking good Otago Pinot Noir whilst roasting marshmallows looking at the hills and the Clutha was great. Recommend the horse shoe bend track and bridge and also dinner at Millerā€™s Flat Tavern was really good. But the cottage is so good itā€™s hard to leave! Thanks for Sarah for being such a great host.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer getaway

Sarah was great to deal with, we enjoyed the complimentary bottle of Lindauer! Sarah called to check in on us and make sure the alternative power sources were working as they should. We enjoyed the well appointed house and felt comfortable cooking with the camp oven and gas hob. Our dog had an awesome time, swimming and exploring, everyday. We enjoyed the area and my 13 year old son, caught fish at Butcher's Dam. I loved the porch with it's comfy couch and great views. Although the Clutha was mostly high, we swam safely in the eddie's near shore and walked up to the remains of an old gold dredge when the river was low.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Inside And Out.

Charming restored cottage sitting on a mound giving the most idyllic view of "farm life"...sheep cows paddocks, Clutha River,Millers Flat.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Robyn Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent place to relax

The crib is very comfortable and peaceful. Fantastic veranda to enjoy the sun and the fabulous view over the river and across the hills. There is everything that we needed for a very comfortable to stay. Need to come and stay in winter so we can fully enjoy the fireplace.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

About the host

Hosted by Sarah Kennedy

Host profile image
We love animals and the outdoors.

We spent many years camping on this property in a tent and cooking over a campfire when our children were small. Later, when we came more often, we stayed in a caravan, but still did most of our cooking over a campfire. A swim in the Clutha was our 'bath' and our children learned to catch or forage for food, such as trout, rabbits, mushrooms and pip and stone fruit.

We renovated this bach as a family project from 2013 and it was finally relocated from Edendale in early 2016. Although it is basic, it has everything you actually need in life, and still feels like luxury to us.

Why they chose this property

Set on a knob overlooking an orchard with over 6 ha to roam over and mingle with the quietly grazing farm animals.

Exclusive access to one of the few swim and fishing-accessible areas of this section of the Clutha River.

Being off-grid offers a low impact experience without having to go without the necessary home comforts, such as basic cooking, hot shower and flush loo.

What makes this property unique

Orchard setting, off-grid, privacy and space to roam, catch a fish or pan for gold in the river, bring any well-behaved dog-family member(s).

Languages:

English
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