Mountain View Cottage is a private, well-proportioned space, that reminded me of a barn I once fell in love with. It is private and set on the grounds of Rob and Susan's property. It is tucked away quite nicely and surrounded by fruit trees just as the listing describes. Inside, it's lovely and warm (and dry-not always the case with NZ properties). It was clean and cosy. By the way, Soot the cat is very respectful and just came to check us out when we stayed. He didn't demand fuss like some cats :) this can be important for folks like me, who have allergies AND also adore cats, dogs, etc. Absolutely zero trace of cat dander or anything, in the cottage. So don't worry about that. The outdoor bath really is something special. Bravo to the hosts for that magical touch. The way the back yard in which it sits has been landscaped, means that it is very private and the garden around the bath is still young but already beautiful to me with manuka, and other succulents. Not to mention the pretty fresh flowers which the hosts left by the bath as well as in the house too. We did have a few issues with our booking, both before we arrived and during our stay. I found the former upsetting - related to the price of the listing. On reflection however, I think this is an Air bnb thing and a standard hospitality protocol of listing one price, but sometimes charging another, depending on when exactly you are travelling. Communication between me and our hosts floundered on this point but I think that was my fault, due to ignorance about these charging policies on Air bnb. During our stay there was an issue with the hot water and this is where ironically, the rupture between us and our lovely hosts was repaired. Rob and Sue offered us an additional night's stay at no extra cost to make up for the inconvenience. I considered this an extremely generous gift, in the circumstances. The property is great value when you realise all the additional manaakitanga (Te Reo Māori for kindness, hospitality and care) which you also receive with this listing! Those things aren't easily captured in a blurb about a property. For me, when things go wrong in life or business or hospitality, it's ALL about how things are made right. I never expect perfection, but I do expect kindness and an ability to apologise and make things right. These hosts clearly know how to do that and I have much admiration for them as a result. Thank you both, so much! Another wonderful point to note is that the bath is genuinely - 'big enough for two'!! I never usually believe that in listings, because my husband is so tall! Ha ha! But the whole outdoor bath experience, is gorgeous!! We also made use of the chimera thanks to the hosts kindness is providing an abundant supply of super dry firewood. The whole package, therefore is extremely romantic. We were left alone, except when we needed assistance - I am sorry that we didn't meet Rob, but Susan, Soot, Wilma and Betty - the gorgeous, sassy pigs - were the welcoming committee that we needed! Also, we were not bothered by bugs any more than you would be anywhere else this time of year in Aotearoa. So don't let that put you off either. We came home from this trip to Raglan feeling incredibly well-rested (cosy, wonderful bed too), with a generous additional gift of fruit and veggies from the host garden (again huge thanks for this treasure). A mini holiday to remember. Thank you again, for having us.