This listing is a special one for popular Akaroa, Canterbury. As is often the case when you visit a new area, I wasn't sure if we wanted to be right in the historic section or a bit farther off (with inherent quiet/calm), and in this case, we made the right decision. Caro has a lovely vintage home in the quaint village of Wainui, just a quick and fun half and hour drive to the shops of Akaroa. The landscape is lined with roses and hydrangea, ushering you in to a large and stylish abode. The ocean swell can be clearly heard and the neighbors are virtually unseen. We played pétanque on the lawn areas and enjoyed fires with the well stocked wood/kindling when the weather turned a bit chillier and brought us inside. There is a gorgeous cat who calls this place home, so you will need to share the space and all that that implies: cat smell and hair, though not excessive, was still noticeable. This would make an excellent stay for a big family or groups of friends, as it is very spacious. Caro was incredibly responsive and offered treats such as fresh flowers, bath salts and great breakfast fixins. The hot water pressure in the shower was incredibly feeble, but there's a blissfully large claw foot tub which beckons. The bed linens were top notch and the couches were wildly comfortable! Caro's place is a refreshing departure from a more sterile ambience!