Get swept off your feet at The Stables, at The Starling Homestead. This haven is the ultimate romantic getaway for lovebirds on the hunt for an intimate location. Every inch of this bespoke space oozes character, with unique reclaimed materials & handcrafted cabinetry that will transport you to a world of rustic charm. Discover North Canterbury's hidden gem, the Waipara wine region. Less than 1 hour from Christchurch. Less than 90 minutes from Kaikoura / Hamner Springs / Ski fields. The Stables has everything you need to unwind, recharge and reconnect. The handcrafted rimu kitchenette includes a kettle, toaster, microwave and hotplate as well as all the breakfast essentials. The bathroom features a vintage cast iron clawfoot bath for sumptuous soaks as well as the toilet and pedestal handbasin. Please note this is a STUDIO unit, the bedroom/living/kitchen is all open plan with a separate bathroom. The bed is a very comfortable Queen size. Rimu timber has been used extensively throughout. The floors, ceiling and kitchenette have all been made using Rimu repurposed from the original stable wall linings. The ceilings have been left in their original form, so the patina of horses rubbing, chewing and kicking over many years, can be seen above you. Please note, two of the original stables still exist however they are not in use. Guests have full use of the 1200m2 paddock within which The Stables is located. If you are interested in feeding our very friendly Kunekune (native pigs) Bruce and Lady Penelope, then please let us know and we can arrange a visit to their paddock. We breed our Kunekune so at regular intervals there will be piglets available for guests to fall in love with. We also have chickens which roam the property and enjoy being hand fed by our guests. Poppy and Frank (Maremma dogs) also love interacting with guests and are often a highlight of peoples visit. We aim to give our guests a taste of rural living with a touch of luxury.

Please follow our IG #thestarlinghomestead to see up to date photos. Elopement and wedding packages coming in 2024 We reside elsewhere on the property, in The Homestead, a large red barn. Our driveway continues on past The Stables so you may see us as we come and go from the property. We will respect your privacy however as we are a working homestead there will be times where we are visible and audible as we go about our daily chores. If you are interested in learning more about our Livestock Guardian Dogs, Frank and Poppy the Maremma's, please let us know. We love to talk about our dogs! Please note, a trait of the breed is to alert us every time something is amiss or changes on the property. This means they can be very vocal when people are coming and going. They will be kept away from The Stables during guest stays however once properly introduced to you they will quiet down.

The Stables is located along Georges Road, where Amberley meets Waipara. Georges Road is also known as 'South Bank' and is home to three superb local family owned wineries and a sculpture park. * Terrace Edge Winery * Georges Road Wines * The Bone Line Winery * Iron Ridge Quarry and Sculpture Park There are approximately 19 wineries / vineyards within 10km of The Stables. Amberley township is approximately 10km to the south and has several outstanding local eateries, pubs, a laundromat, chemist, liquor stores and a Countdown Supermarket. The region has some amazing upcoming local events, please refer to the 'Visit Hurunui' website to see what's ahead. Getting around: We have guest bikes available, this is an ideal way to tour the various local wineries. Helicopter winery tours are a popular way to combine your wine tasting experience with some sightseeing. We have ample landing space available for you to take off in style. There are also many winery shuttle companies operating in the area if you prefer to let someone else do the driving.