We spent Christmas at The Last Straw Cottage which started with one of those 'could it really be?' moments when we turned into the driveway to see the most beautiful cottage we could have imagined. It wouldn't look out of place in the Cotswolds. The cottage can comfortably accommodate 6 people in 3 beautifully furnished bedrooms. Every detail has been thought of by the owners who do much more than one could imagine to make a visitors stay a real pleasure. Every amenity and comfort has been thought of. In the kitchen, living areas, bedrooms, bathroom and outdoor areas. The cottage is set in the centre of a large plot, is entirely private and has plenty of space for visitors to relax and unwind. Children can run around (play croquet!) and adults can take time to relax with a glass of wine or two. So what makes this place so special? I'd say the hosts Lynne and Jon. I will give three examples why their kindness and thoughtfulness made our vacation extremely special. Lynne kindly picked up a turkey for us to cook for Christmas Day (as we were arriving late in the evening before Christmas), she put up a small tree when she heard we had young children with us so they arrived to see a lit Christmas tree in the cottage (with a lovely present for each of them - thank you very much!) and is forwarding on...We spent Christmas at The Last Straw Cottage which started with one of those 'could it really be?' moments when we turned into the driveway to see the most beautiful cottage we could have imagined. It wouldn't look out of place in the Cotswolds. The cottage can comfortably accommodate 6 people in 3 beautifully furnished bedrooms. Every detail has been thought of by the owners who do much more than one could imagine to make a visitors stay a real pleasure.

Every amenity and comfort has been thought of. In the kitchen, living areas, bedrooms, bathroom and outdoor areas. The cottage is set in the centre of a large plot, is entirely private and has plenty of space for visitors to relax and unwind. Children can run around (play croquet!) and adults can take time to relax with a glass of wine or two.

So what makes this place so special? I'd say the hosts Lynne and Jon. I will give three examples why their kindness and thoughtfulness made our vacation extremely special. Lynne kindly picked up a turkey for us to cook for Christmas Day (as we were arriving late in the evening before Christmas), she put up a small tree when she heard we had young children with us so they arrived to see a lit Christmas tree in the cottage (with a lovely present for each of them - thank you very much!) and is forwarding on something we left behind to our final stop in NZ before we return home. That actually makes 4 examples but to be honest I could give many more reasons why this was the perfect cottage rental. If we lived in NZ we'd be here every weekend.

This is our second visit to NZ and we would not only recommend The Last Straw Cottage to people, we would actively encourage it!! Nelson and the surrounds have an amazing amount to offer and this is the perfect base from which to experience them. Even if you aren't planning to do much then enjoy the cottage, the space and the peace.

Thanks for everything. A truly stunning cottage with hosts that have thought of everything.More