Secluded Bush Retreat on the North Shore

294 Glenvar Road, Torbay, North Shore
20
Max Guests
6
Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms

About this Holiday House

Quality 6 bedroom house with 3 bathrooms and 2 Kitchens, 2 Lounges in native bush clad quiet and secure North Shore suburb House Information: Large home completely renovated: Visitors have the house to themselves, including large modern kitchen, lounge, separate patio and large decks to outdoor flow. All amenities provided e.g. linen, kitchen utensils, etc. Living: Large lounge area with digital high definition TV Dining: 8 seater (house) and 4 seater (apartment) dining tables plus two 8 seater outdoor tables, chairs and bench seats (house) - seating for 28 Kitchens: 2 Fully functional and equipped kitchens Laundries: Auto washing machines, Dryers, Iron and ironing boards, etc House Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms (Bed configuration for 2 bedrooms - super king plus one single if required or 3 singles & for 1 of the other bedrooms up to 3 singles) House Office/4th bedroom: wifi & hard-wired internet services available /up to 2 single beds plus House double sofa bed. Basement apartment Bedrooms: 2 bedrooms (1 double plus 1 single to one bedroom and 1 bedroom with 2 singles) plus Apartment double sofa bed if required. House Bathrooms & Showers: 2 bathrooms with 2 showers, 1 bath, 2 toilets, underfloor heating, heated towel rails Apartment Bathroom & shower plus 1 toilet Outside parking for 8 cars Security and fire alarms throughout Air conditioning (both to house and basement apartment) Telephone for local numbers Childs Port-a-cot & high chair Amenities Secure, private and semi rural bush clad area, 1 km to native bush walk, 2.7km (approx 5 minutes) to Long Bay Beach, 4.5km (9 minutes) to Brown Bay shopping centre, 5 km (10 minutes) to Albany Mega Centre (numerous restaurants, bars & Cinemas) House will accommodate up to 13 guests (numbers can be discussed with owner for configuration of beds) Basement apartment can accommodate up to 7 guests Serviced weekly or can be serviced more often by arrangement for additional cost Available Dates Available all year dependent on bookings. Short term or long term stays by arrangement. Distances Eden Park - 23.7 km, (26 minutes) North Harbour Stadium - 5.8 km, (12 minutes) House is located 4.7 km (9 minutes) from Albany express bus station and less than 1 minute from feeder bus stops. Auckland Airport - 40.1 km (43 minutes in good traffic) (all distances according to Wises maps) Pricing Very attractive rates from short to long stays with discounts for longer stays.

Details and amenities

Child friendly
Pet outside only
Linen provided
Smoking outside only
Accessible
Features
BBQ
Sky TV
Heating & cooling
Air Conditioning
Electric blankets
Heat pump
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Food processor
Freezer
Fridge
High Chair
Microwave
Oven
Bathroom
Bath
Shower
Laundry
Cot Available
Dryer
Extra Bedding
Iron
Portacot
Washing Machine
Parking
Boat parking
Garage
Off Street Parking
Basics
Tea, coffee, sugar etc
TV
Wifi
Other
Broadband
CD player
Cellphone coverage
Cleaning equipment
Cleaning supplies
Clothes line
Computer/internet
DVD
Ensuite Bathroom
Extra Toilet
Fridge/Freezer
Internet available
Laundry Tub
Outdoor furniture
Phone
Stereo
Toaster
Under floor heating

Bed layout

2 Super King(s), 1 Double(s), 14 Single(s), 2 Sofa bed(s), 1 Cot(s)

Special Amenities

Private setting in bush clad surroundings BBQ area set in secure fenced deck area surrounded by bush. First floor large deck off 2 bedrooms. Walking distance to Long Bay Regional Park and Long Bay Beach Gym available less than 1.6km from house (4 minutes)

Special Attractions and Activities Nearby

All distances from house : Native Bush walk (Awaruku Scenic Reserve) 1.3km (3 min), Long Bay Regional Park & Long Bay beach (1 km long flat safe swimming beach with childrens playground, barbeque areas, historic homestead, restaurant, clifftop walking track, world war 2 gun emplacements, marine reserve) 3.1km (6 min), Waiake Beach 3.6km (6 min), Browns Bay beach and shopping centre (shops, cafes, bars, TABs, gyms & restaurants) 4.4km (9 min), Albany Mega Centre (shops, large department stores, bars, restaurants, cinemas, food courts) 5.8km (11 min), Lakes Golf course 8.2 km (9 min) from house, Helitranz helicopter scenic flights (www.heletranz.co.nz/scenic.htm#scenic01, entire city, west coast & night flights,Heli-dining, Heli-fishing, Heli-golf, overnight adventures) 7.1km (13 min), North Shore airfield (Salt air scenic flights ref www.saltair.co.nz/ to Cape Reinga, Bay of Islands, Hole in the Rock) Snowplanet (NZ's only indoor snow skiing facility) & indoor go karts 13.7km (15 min)

Reviews

Average Rating: 4
9 total reviews

Jamie
This Auckland property probably has more beds, furnishings, kitchenware and bedrooms than any other property in the region, which was a key reason why we chose it. The state of things inside was more like a student flat than a true retreat location as the photos would lead you to expect. The house could do with a deep clean, and much of the furnishings could do with replacing. The BBQ was broken and unsafe to use. The owner did show us a trick of opening it up, and igniting it manually which we did not feel safe doing. Oddly, when we arrived at the indicated time, the owner was in the middle of cleaning and we needed to sit outside for nearly an hour waiting. This cleaning was clearly a surface clean. The living space was roomy and the multiple bathrooms was a good aspect of the house and suited our group number well. The backyard and deck area are also good aspects. Inexplicably, the photo here of the TV has clearly been photoshopped as the actual TV has a much smaller screen. Also, some minor false advertising as the listing mentions sports channels, which was not the case and quite disappointing for the rugby fans in the group (we asked the owner and he said he had decided to cut back on that expense a while ago). While some of our bond needed to be deducted to replace broken glassware, which we immediately agreed with the owner on, getting the remainder of the bond took almost 2 months of regular reminder emails to eventually receive back. This property is ideal for non-discerning large groups such as high school sports teams and the like. They would have a great time. Also, owner was always very responsive to our requests while we were there and quick to arrive over if we needed to ask anything.
Response from Owner
Thank you for your initial comments. It is hard to find large houses in Auckland for accommodation, but we are one of them. The multiple bathrooms, large living space, the back yard and deck are also good features as mentioned. I am not certain where the impression was gained that the house was more akin to a “student flat” which is used to describe a one room bed-sit, because this house is certainly not that. There are large bedrooms set up with single beds and no bedroom in the house is a bedsit. If guests require the configuration to be changed from single beds we can accommodate that as a number of the beds can be zipped together to form super-king beds That was not requested in this case so single beds were provided. I am not certain what Jamie meant by a “deep clean” because the house was clean and the guests did not complain that it wasn’t. The furnishings are neat and tidy and appear as they are photographed in the pictures and certainly do not need replacing. Perhaps this is only in the eye of the beholder. The BBQ was not unsafe to use. A prior guest had broken the starter to the BBQ and there was no time to repair before the guests arrived and the method to safely use the BBQ was shown to the guests. Jamie failed to text 30 mins before arrival as arranged and prior guests had caused a greater amount of cleaning required which we preferred to clean. I am sure the guests would have preferred a clean house as opposed to unannounced access. Jamie complains about the wait due to unannounced arrival, but I'm sure he would have complained if the accomodation was not clean. You simply can't please some people whatever way you go. The picture on the TV screen were obviously photoshopped but the TV is a 42” HDMI ambilight TV screen. No size of TV screen was mentioned in the house details and the TV is certainly not a small screen. Sky Sports channels were available at an extra cost which was offered to the guests, but they decided not to proceed with that and go to a local establishment with Sport Channels offered. What was not mentioned was that Jamies guests broke 3 wine glasses, a coffee cup and a security light (the latter which they denied but it was not broken when they came). They left without confirming this and appeared annoyed when confronted with the breakages so it appears they have taken an approach of badmouthing the property to get “even” with being caught out over damage. In order to return the balance of the bond it was necessary to find the exact matching glasses because 20 of each were supplied in the accommodation. Ultimately it was impossible to find matching glasses and this took some time while the guests were emailed 3 times of the attempts to find matching glasses. Ultimately a suggested deduction from the bond was accepted. All this process took time as a direct result of the damage caused by the guests which they then complain about. It is curious how the last comment describes the property as for the “non-discerning” when his email upon leaving stated “thanks again for the house over the weekend, we really enjoyed our time there….”. it seems that only after they leave and are confronted with damage they caused do they become “discerning”.
Jazz
Friendly hospitality from the Host. We are a family of 10 and we didn't find any fault. The home was very clean & tidy on arrival. Everything we required was there, from a dishwasher, washing machine & dryers, very comfortable beds, etc plus amazing water pressure in the showers. And a added bonus with every room having a fan. Location was perfect & close to the areas we had family. Very private & quiet which was very much appreciate. The kids made use of the yard area. Breakfast, lunch & dinners were all held on the decking area which provided a large table and plenty of chairs for our family to all sit around. The extra condiments in the pantry & fridge were also much appreciated. Thank you Geoff for allowing my family to stay over the New Year period!
Jo
Family of 4 plus 2 overseas family stayed here for 3 weeks over a Christmas period whilst waiting for a home renovation to complete. The photos really do not indicate how tired the house is actually looking. It really is in need of a good spring clean and freshen up. The carpets are very old and very stained. The fridge really should have been cleaned out of all previous occupants items, some of which were beyond use and not many people would make use of, especially not knowing how long these items had been there for. The host/owner was welcoming initially, but felt that privacy was not key and doing the gardening etc was a slight breach of this especially considering the price that was charged. One member of the group had a fall and we decided to take advantage of the first aid kit but found that everything had expired by at least 10 years. This is not acceptable. For the price of staying - worked out at approximately $400 per night, was, in our opinion, very overpriced. Ideal location for people for a short term stay while relocating etc, but really does require some freshening up of furniture, carpets and bedding, and this should, reflect on the prices charged.
Response from Owner
I am hesitant to make a reply to Jo’s comment, but I feel I must to correct the misinformation. Jo contacted us on 17 December 2019 desperately seeking accommodation because her family and dog had to move out of her short term rental and the builders doing her house renovation had not completed for her to move in prior to Christmas with her parents coming over in the new year. Jo came around late the following day just after previous guests had left and prior to us cleaning and was quite happy with the accommodation before her family moved in, but then ‘suddenly’ found things not to her liking after they used the accommodation and left whilst damaging the place. Jo stated in her enquiry that she had a well behaved outdoor dog which we specifically asked not to be taken inside onto the carpets. The day after they moved in they did the opposite and let the dog inside onto the carpets from that day onwards and then complained about the stains they had caused which we had to get commercially cleaned. They also broke off and then threw away a window catch to one of the bedroom windows, broke the actual timber window itself, left marks all over the superking mattresses and valance, melted the ironing cover onto the iron, left empty coke cans and cigarette butts all in the rear garden, water blasted their cars everyday and at times had 5 cars there overnight when there was only 4 people supposedly staying there at that time. It is curious that the people that complain the most seem to be the ones that do not follow their own high expectations. The fridge was cleaned (as we always do before guests arrive) and we checked the dates on sauces and condiments not fully used. If one of these expired during the time that her family was there then she should have simply thrown it out. Jo didn’t mention that we provided fresh fruit, eggs, milk, butter, condiments, bread, breakfast cereals, tea, coffee, milo drinking chocolate and unopened food within the expiry period left by previous guests which they were more than happy to fully use. We have always been welcoming and helpful. Jo’s comments about privacy seem peculiar when we had to maintain the lawn and edges only once during her stay. If we hadn’t mowed them she probably would have complained that the lawns weren’t maintained. With some people you can never win. The first aid kit is a commercial supplied kit containing bandages, band aids, antiseptic which do not have used by dates, panadol (current), with the only item in the kit that was expired was the spray bandages in a small can. I notice the medical kit scissors were taken. I guess the only thing I can put Jo’s complaints down to is that she may have been annoyed that her builders hadn’t finished her own renovations by Christmas for her parents so she had to move out of her rented accommodation and simply vented her frustrations and took it out on our property. Jo complains about the price of accommodation after the fact when she inspected on 18th, paid for it on 19th and moved in on 20th December. She was happy enough with the price before moving in, but then complained about it later. The rates for our accommodation do not even meet the full costs on the property in Auckland and we are not overpriced. Look at all the other 6 comments from guests over the years that have been glowing in their praise for the accommodation as opposed to Jo’s comments and see who you believe.
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Availability

Rates

Date rangeRatesExtra guestsMinimum stay
1 Dec - 31 Jan $100 / Night for 1 guest$1003 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan $200 / Night for 2 guests$1003 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan $665 / Night for 7 guests$953 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan $900 / Night for 10 guests$903 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan $1700 / Night for 20 guests$853 Nights
Rest of year$85 / Night for 1 guest$853 Nights
Rest of year$170 / Night for 2 guests$853 Nights
Rest of year$595 / Night for 7 guests$853 Nights
Rest of year$850 / Night for 10 guests$853 Nights
Rest of year$1700 / Night for 20 guests$853 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan
$100 / Night for 1 guest
Extra guests: $100Min. stay: 3 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan
$200 / Night for 2 guests
Extra guests: $100Min. stay: 3 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan
$665 / Night for 7 guests
Extra guests: $95Min. stay: 3 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan
$900 / Night for 10 guests
Extra guests: $90Min. stay: 3 Nights
1 Dec - 31 Jan
$1700 / Night for 20 guests
Extra guests: $85Min. stay: 3 Nights
Rest of year
$85 / Night for 1 guest
Extra guests: $85Min. stay: 3 Nights
Rest of year
$170 / Night for 2 guests
Extra guests: $85Min. stay: 3 Nights
Rest of year
$595 / Night for 7 guests
Extra guests: $85Min. stay: 3 Nights
Rest of year
$850 / Night for 10 guests
Extra guests: $85Min. stay: 3 Nights
Rest of year
$1700 / Night for 20 guests
Extra guests: $85Min. stay: 3 Nights
Minimum 3 night stay for minimum 2 or more guests. We can accommodate at least 20 guests. The greater the number of guests and the longer the stay the lower the rate. Rates include local Auckland telephone calls, free wi-fi. Rates above vary depending on length of stay, number of guests and peak/non-peak season. Very attractive rates from short term stays with discounts for slightly longer stays. Can accommodate at least 13 guests in the house and 8 guests in the basement apartment (at least 20 guests for the house and apartment combined). Lower rates for smaller number of guests in basement apartment.
2 Kitchens (1 in apartment and 1 in house)

Location

More Holiday Houses near North Shore (Auckland)