Ina and Stefan are the epitome of SUPERHOST!

When I first messaged Ina to introduce myself and book this room, I mentioned that up until this point I had exclusively booked self-contained Airbnb units since I tend to be reserved and enjoy my privacy but I thought I'd give this "sharing arrangement" a try because I got a good feeling from all their glowing reviews, the space, and reading their profile. I'm so glad I did because otherwise I would not have crossed paths with this wonderful family!

Allow me to paint a picture of the loving, kind, generous, and welcoming family that these wonderful people are... Upon graciously offering to pick me up at the Nelson Airport, Stefan greeted me with open arms as I was in the midst of an emotional moment with tears streaming down my face after just having been in a car accident and then having to deal with the car rental agency. Not only did he speak to the car rental agency on my behalf, but right from the start Stefan and Ina went WAAAAY beyond any conceivable expectation and took me in as their very own family member...generously including me in their family meals and gatherings, helping me plan out my itinerary logistics, graciously lending me tramping equipment so that I could complete the Abel Tasman circuit, sharing a special connection through countless hours of wonderful conversation about travel, work, family, life and everything in between, and most of all making my experience traveling through New Zealand an unforgettably special and meaningful one. They will always have a special place in my heart.

In terms of the actual space and their home, it is very accurately reflected in the many beaming reviews so it's no wonder that they've deservingly achieved superhost status. I'm a bit of a neat/clean freak and I must say Ina takes great care in throughly cleaning and preparing the guest room and their house is very organized (especially for having kids). Being talented designers, they have beautifully discerning taste while bringing warmth, brightness, and their love of music and travel into their home. Their home feels both tranquil and lively at once, if that makes sense. I loved the layout of the home as well, with the multiple elevated or recessed niches that visually distinguish each purposed space for different activities but similarly connect all the spaces together creating a nice flow. There are also several decks from which to enjoy breakfast or dinners outside in the garden. It is also surrounded by lovely foliage around their home, giving it a private retreat feel even though you are in the town of Richmond.

As you can see, I have nothing short of positive things to say about my experience with Ina, Stefan, their two lovely girls, and not to forget the affectionate Tika. If you're a little shy like me and tend to gravitate towards your own space, take a chance here and it'll change you for the better!