INDEX FOR GRASMERE LODGE AT ARTHURS
PASS
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 Grasmere Lodge — High Country Retreat —
where luxury and natural splendour come together in the heart of the Southern Alps, to form what one international guest described as “a whole other world of peacefulness & serenity.”
Grasmere Lodge was built in 1858, the original limestone homestead, now the core of the lodge, introduces you to the style of personal pampering that earned the Harper’s Hideaway Report Grand Award in 1998.
At the same time
Grasmere Lodge is a traditional New Zealand high country station (ranch), set amid towering 7000 ft peaks, provides a wide range of outdoor activities for those seeking a more adventurous interlude.
Grasmere Lodge offers a richness of traditional New Zealand hospitality. Owner, Tom Butler, and his staff epitomise New Zealand friendliness and generosity of spirit. Together they take great delight in sharing the magic of
Grasmere Lodge with their guests.
Every exclusive New Zealand lodge is unique; each offers something entirely different in both setting and accommodation style.
It is futile to say that one is better than the other - that would be comparing apples with pears - but it is fair to say that Grasmere Lodge does have an indefinable quality that isn't replicated anywhere else in New Zealand.
By virtue of its dramatic location near Arthurs Pass, its ever-changing climate and its unashamed emphasis on quality and quiet comfort,
Grasmere Lodge will always be an unparalleled experience.
Grasmere Lodge is a proud member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, the Lodge Association of New Zealand, and Select Hotels and Resorts. |
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| The Homestead |
The original farm homestead of Grasmere Station remains the heart of Grasmere Lodge.
Grasmere Lodge was built in 1858, and was essentially a timber slab hut then, built from beech logs hewn on the property. Luckily much of the history has been recorded and preserved.
The two distinctive limestone chimneys at the front of
Grasmere Lodge date from 1872 when the first bride arrived at the property, and the house was enlarged.
After several owners, David McLeod and his wife Mary took over the farm in 1930, and tales of their hospitality over the next 48 years are still told.
David’s books about his adventures at Grasmere are in the library
at
Grasmere Lodge, and his tradition of welcoming guests is repeated by today’s hosts in the large comfortable lounge, over the cocktail hour before dinner. Doors open out into the garden for al fresco hors d’oeuvres in summer, and large open log fireplaces in the original stone ensure cosiness on colder days.
The five-course gourmet dinner is usually served in this building, and one of the oldest rooms has been turned into the Mountain Spa , offering indulgent pampering and therapeutic massages.
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| The
Lodge |
This building was
added to
Grasmere Lodge in 1998 and extended in 2000, designed with the early colonial farmhouse style in mind.
Breakfast and lunch are usually served here in the Verandah restaurant, taking full advantage of all-day sun and great views. The lounge is perfect for chatting with other guests over afternoon tea, or finding a quiet corner and a good book on the mezzanine. Feel free to stay in practice at the grand piano, or to stay in touch with home with the complimentary internet access.
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| The Chalet |
The Chalet is a short walk from the Homestead
of
Grasmere Lodge, set amongst well-established pine trees for shelter, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is built in a Colorado alpine style, clad in cedar with copper spouting.
Each junior suite can be booked individually and has separate outside access. Alternatively, a central lounge or Great Room measuring 54 square metres (580 square feet) can be combined with one or both downstairs rooms. The lounge has an eight-metre (26 feet) high beamed ceiling, with leather sofas seating eight, arranged in front of the huge log fireplace of stunning South Island West Coast schist. Internal access to the lounge is available if the upstairs rooms are booked by the same party.
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| Riverview Cottage |
New in 2004 at
Grasmere Lodge, the Riverview Cottage has enormous windows to take full advantage of its sweeping views down the Cass River and across to the Puketeraki Range - the heart of the Arthur’s Pass National Park. It is built to fit in with the surrounding environment in a modern alpine style.
It features two junior suite bedrooms of 51 square metres (550 sq ft), each with their own gas fireplace, with walk-through wardrobes, separate toilets, and spacious bathrooms with individual vanities and jacuzzi baths.
In addition, both rooms have a king or twin single beds, comfortable armchairs, antique desks, internet port, and a deck with outdoor chairs and table.
With a full lounge between the two junior suite bedrooms, this can be taken by one couple that enjoys space and privacy, or is perfect for two couples or a family.
The snug has leather armchairs, books, TV with satellite connection and video/DVD player and CD player, to provide a cosy hideaway in front of the double-sided log fireplace in cooler weather.
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