I spent three wonderful months living in Margaret's studio and I cannot recommend Margaret more highly as a host! The day I arrived, Margaret invited me into her home and spent hours of her time educating me about Christchurch and New Zealand. Throughout my stay, Margaret continued to keep me updated on events taking place in the city. She was welcoming and helpful the whole time. She invited me to her home for a delicious meal and would regularly give me fresh veg from her veggie patch. Margaret was very kind in offering me weekly use of her washing machine. Margaret was never intrusive, yet still managed to make me feel comfortable, safe and at home in her lovely new house.
The studio has everything one could want from a short or extended stay. It was a lot larger than it appears in the photographs, the bed is so comfortable, the room is never too hot or cold because of the air conditioning and heater, it was fully equipped with kitchen utensils and had good storage space. The studio has natural light from three of the four sides of the studio, with views of Margaret's lovely green garden.
Merivale is a lovely safe village with nice cafes and shops. The bus direct to the city is only a few hundred metres from Margaret's house or a nice 40 min walk (if the weather's decent).
I thoroughly enjoyed living in Margaret's studio and look forward to visiting again next year! Thanks so much Margaret. :)