Wallingford Homestead

Wallingford, what can we say? Not knowing what to expect we landed in absolute luxury and comfort.We were met by Jeanette and Lilia, holding umbrellas to give us a warm and dry welcome.The homestead is amazing, warm and welcoming. Open fires everywhere!The meals were beyond description, utterly beautiful and delicious, so much care.A pity that the homestead was in scaffolding with a new roof being installed. Having breakfast on our deck, with a gas heater to keep us warm was such a treat!Really we can go on and on, it was such a treat!We can recommend it to anyone wanting a special weekend away! No better place to go and having lived in Hawke’s Bay for a long time, we were not aware of this hidden gem!!

Absolutely fabulous stay, a really different food experience in a divine place with 6* service from a wonderfully attentive team. All the trappings of an English country estate, beautiful flowers, orchards, rolling hills and peace with birdsong. Chef Chris showed why this is a top-rated foodie stay, multiple course degustation with matching wines for both our nights that created talking points and great memories. I enjoyed the menu mis-directions and the brilliant plate presentations. Jeanette matched the wines excellently. Breakfasts were equally stunning with homemade sourdough, chutneys and preserves complemented by granola style sweets with local eggs and cured meats. I also loved the way we took breakfast on the lawn and by the heated pool.Jeannette and her team were awesome from the moment you arrived, the bags were whisked to your stately home rooms with tall ceilings, period historic furniture and a private outside sitting area - while gentle jazz sounds floated around the homestead. Not once did I step outside without someone asking if there was anything I needed (drinks and snacks) which was nice and felt like being at a top hotel with almost butler style service. We also love the homestead dogs and loved the rubs although they were optional with Marley and Arthur. There were lawn games for fun, croquet, boules and hoops and of course a cricket crease. We also enjoyed the Sourdough baking lesson. We were there for my 61st Birthday, with my wife after our 40th Wedding anniversary. I couldn't think of a more different, relaxing, romantic and memorable place to come and spend a few days. Sublime and will return.

Wallingford Homestead is just magical and transports you back in time. The staff are exceptional and always on hand to assist with reasonable requests.The hospitality staff are top notch and take great pride in their work and the interactions with the guests.The food is amazing and deserving of accolades and awards. The chef(Chris) is extremely talented, hard working and surprising.We booked the 'SLOW FOOD JOURNEY' which was well worth the price and provided an amazing relaxing weekend.The whisky sours are amazing.

What a fabulous place to unwind in a beautiful country setting.From the moment we arrived to the time we left, we had the most wonderful experience.We did the slow food journey package, which was amazing.The staff were attentive but not intrusive, nothing appeared to be too much trouble.I can't fault our experience, at all.Congrats Wallingford for your wonderful hospitality!

Allan and I had a lovely restful weekend with Alex and Deni. could not fault Wallingford Homestead, Hosts, Service, of course the FOOD, just to die for. And the extra hosts Marley and Arthur. A very special weekend.

We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Wallingford Hawkes Bay Homestead and we cannot recommend it highly enough. From the moment we arrived

Perhaps the 'where's Wally' of HB homestays. I say that as a HB local who, until recently, was unaware we had this jewel of a foodie / luxury accommodation venue in our region. You are welcomed by the co-owner Jeanette, made to feel like you are the only guests there and treated to some outstanding food prepared by the now, 2 on site chefs. The 10 course degustation dinner on the Saturday night is a must try for all HB locals and available without the expense of staying at the accommodation. This was a birthday weekend for my wife and she described Wallingford after the event as perfect, what more do you need?

This beautiful old home isa treasure. From the moment you arrive there is a feeling of refined gentleness .The decor is a lovely mixture of antiques with flashes of fun .The staff are wonderful - nothing is a bother but also they don’t intrude on your stay.Every meal was amazing , I would say I had some of the best food I have ever eaten. You would not regret coming here if for no other reason- the food .

The Homestead was so warm and inviting. The staff were all very attentive to our needs. Nothing was too much trouble. They were lovely. We loved our room and own veranda that overlooked the lovely grounds. The pool house and pool was also a beautiful sanctuary where we could relax and wile the time away.

We had the most beautiful, relaxed and nurturing stay at Wallingford recently. Every detail of our visit was carefully taken care of. Our room was quiet, private and immaculately clean. The slow food experience was divine. Every course of every meal was a mouth watering experience. We loved our sour dough bread making course. It was great to have a hands on learning experience with a chef like Chris, and the results were also delicious!Thanks again, we can't wait to come back!