In the heart of Marlborough's wine growing area lies Old Saint
Mary's Convent -- a haven for the discerning traveler, where luxury
accommodation and an intimate retreat may be found. Old Saint Mary's Convent is
situated on an estate of 20 acres and surrounded on all sides by the vineyards
and olive groves Marlborough is famous for. Spring Creek, with its abundant bird
life and trout, meanders lazily through the property. It is here, beneath
Marlborough's azure sky, that one may spend a pleasant afternoon sipping local
vintages and sampling the provincial gourmet fare.
Designed by Thomas Turnbull and built in 1901 for the
Sisters of Mercy, the Convent was originally located next to Saint
Mary's Church in
Blenheim. It provided
nineteen bedrooms for
the nuns, a library,
music room, sewing room,
office and a beautiful
chapel upstairs on the
first floor.
Native timbers were
extensively used in the
construction including
Matai, Rimu and Kauri.
One of the many splendid
examples of Victorian
craftsmanship is the
substantial carved
staircase, constructed
entirely from Kauri.
In 1994, the Convent was
moved in five pieces to
its present location in
Rapaura. The task of
restoration then began
under the guidance of
architect Sir Michael
Fowler. The interior
layout downstairs has
remained exactly as it
was nearly 100 years
ago, retaining its
original charm and
character.
Today Old St Mary’s
Convent offers five
rooms :
Chapel (Honeymoon)
Suite: Executive
suite, the size of a
small apartment,
situated in the old
Chapel with antique
beautifully crafted old
stained glass windows
and its own private
balcony. Hollywood
Super-king bed, en-suite
bathroom with luxurious
two person bath and
separate shower. Writing
desk with Internet
connection, TV and
stereo. Mini-bar with
complimentary bottle of
Marlborough Sparkling
Wine.
Mother Superior
Suite: Spacious room
with access to balcony.
Queen bed and large
en-suite bathroom with
luxurious two-person
bath and walk-in shower.
Comfortable sitting area
and beautiful views of
the garden and Richmond
Ranges.
Sister Ancilla Room:
Sunny spacious room with
Super-king/twin-size
bed. Large en-suite
bathroom with
old-fashioned bath and
separate shower. Morning
sun wakes you up to
beautiful views of the
gardens and Richmond
Ranges.
Novice Suite:
Extra large room with
wonderful views over
vineyards. King bed and
comfortable sitting
area. En-suite bathroom
with clawfoot bath and
walk-in shower.
Grace Room: Large
room with Queen bed and
comfortable sitting
area. En-suite bathroom
with clawfoot bath and
walk-in shower. Views of
the garden.
Rates from US$ 418
per room per night and
include a complimentary
glass of wine before
dinner and a delicious
breakfast. Rates for
suites available upon
request.
