The Lone Cottage was simply amazing! It had everything we needed to sit back and enjoy the beauty that surrounded us. All the little touches that Francine thought of to make our stay that much better, from the free range eggs to the fresh milk, coffee and loaf of bread. We were able to fix breakfast, enjoy it out on the deck while listening to all the beautiful bird songs around us. We enjoyed this so much that we stopped at the local butcher and picked up some fresh steak and chicken to grill for dinner. We lit a fire in the wood stove and the evening was pure joy...way better than any restaurant in Christchurch. This cottage is stocked with absolutely everything you need for your stay. As we stayed there for the farm experience, we very much loved the tour provided by Stuart and Francine. We happened to get there while the peonies were still being sorted and boxed up for shipment to both local and overseas locales. It is a ton of work, but I do know...being a peony lover, the joy that these flowers can bring to someone is tremendous! If you have time and are interested, both Stuart and Francine are both incredibly interesting and talented and have some pretty cool stories to share. I just loved the farm tour (which they should charge an arm and leg for...it is THAT cool). Francine working with her horses is a pretty amazing sight. And Stuart with the dogs and sheep, it was mesmerizing. I know that this is their life, and it is very hard work...so for them to stop their chores and spend time with us and answering all of our questions about farming, etc. very very special people and place. I simply cannot wait to return!!