Lauren was voted 'events co-ordinator of the decade' by her wider family for finding The Billiards Room, a Queenstown holiday home with a difference. And what a difference. We're not just talking about the novelty of a full-sized billiards table. Or the breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountains. Or the fully-fenced lawn and cottage garden. Or the fun vehicle available on request. We're talking about a family home that effortlessly combines charm, style and comfort. Or as one guest has noted: "What a house with character, built with love." Built with love by a builder as a retirement project. The property remains in the family, but the next generation have put their stamp on it -- with a French white master bedroom en suite, an integrated kitchen-dining area, an upgraded conservatory, new carpet and furnishings. Here's what other guests have been saying: - "This is a beautiful home and garden with loads of charm ..." - "It's not often that a holiday home offers charm, character and warmth but this house does." - " . . . each and every room was utterly gorgeous from the stunning light fittings to the tastefully chosen soft furnishings." - "We had people coming and going every day over the past 12 days and everyone fell in love with this home." - "Your house lent us room to spread out while still being together. We had meals in and played games instead of going out. It has been fantastic." They could spread out because the house has appealing living spaces -- an inviting kitchen-dining area featuring a character table and new timber flooring, a lounge with majestic views, a den to retreat to with a book or to play chess, a conservatory to catch the winter sun. Then, of course, there's the billiards room -- around which this house was designed and built. All this with the convenience of staying at home -- a fully-equipped kitchen with a European oven, full laundry facilities, unlimited high-speed wifi and satellite television. All the rooms are connected to a super-duper central heating system during the cold months. There's also a heat pump in the kitchen-dining area. All beds have electric blankets. The house, with a double garage underneath, is effectively at a first-floor level and opens up at the back on to a north-facing lawn and garden. There are five bedrooms, three in the main part of the house and two downstairs (with their own refurbished bathroom) adjoining the garage. There's table tennis in the garage. Also a ski drying room. In addition, a yellow Jeep Wrangler Sport -- a two-door, manual vehicle -- is available to guests on application. The Billiards Room is perfect for an extended family or two families. And children of all ages. Or a group of up to 10 adults. If you're looking for something extra out of your holiday accommodation, you'll find it here. Lauren and her family did.