My mother and I drove from Hokitika, via Punakaiki, so we were pretty tired when we arrived. Susan had sent me prior detailed information that covered it all: keys, neighbor/mgr next door, wifi, current events, dining suggestions. But the true nature of our welcome was walking in, looking around, opening doors, and the discovery of the fantastic, blooming, healthy, extensive private back garden and outside space. The salad garden was packed with power greens and herbs: collards, kale, spinach, chard, beets, arugula...and more, a lemon tree, nasturtiums. We were invited to help ourselves. My mother, an avid gardener, was happy to water the plants. I found a perfect area to practice morning tai chi. The interior was inviting and well appointed. I found firewood and kindling stacked in the garage and we had nightly fires in the super friendly wood burning fireplace. I especially appreciated the unfussyness and practical details such as the flooring- an interesting and attractive tiled linoleum of sorts- perfect for kids, dogs, easy to clean up while maintaining a certain degree of casual elegance. Everything was where it should be and it felt like we were staying at a friend's place who had similar tastes.