From Pat and Roy Terry, Bishops Waltham Hampshire.

We stayed at Stonehaven on February 22nd/23rd 2008 and
we had a great welcome from Paulette and John and were delighted with the accommodation set in the midst of Blenheim Vineyards.

Our room was extremely comfortable with wonderfull views across the Vineyard.

Breakfast was sumptious with a wide choice of dishes from continental to hearty cooked meals set in a wonderfull breakfast room overlooking the pool.

The initial welcome was matched by the caring and warm hospitality we enjoyed during our stay.

In the 7 weeks we were travelling this was our favourite.

Paulette and John are wonderfull hosts and our 2 nights went by
far too quickly.

In a word , Historic!

As soon as we arrived at Stonehaven and received a very warm welcome from John and Paulette we knew we had found a little gem. We were invited to make full use of their beautiful home of which included a secluded swimming pool surrounded by wonderful gardens. The accommodation was first class with very comfortable beds and beautiful bedding. Paulette's breakfast were the best all cooked to order, and how we miss her freshly made muffins every morning. Dinner was wonderful, again cooked by the amazing Paulette and John provided the wine from his excellant cellar, it was a real treat after being out for the day. Stonehaven is ideally situated amongst the vineyards and is perfectly located for excursions to the Marlborough sounds, Nelson, Havelock, whale watching at Kaikora and of course winetasting. So don't stay for one night, we stayed for seven and would have loved to have stayed longer - we will return! B & P

I’d like to preface our review by noting that, during our 17-day trip to NZ, my husband and I stayed at 9 different accommodations throughout the South Island. That being said, my husband and I were quick to agree: Stonehaven was by far our favorite accommodation of the trip- whether B&B, Boutique, or Cottage.
Hosts John and Paulette (and black lab Bessie) have a wonderful home- both comfortable and warm- which is only rivaled by the genuine warmth they show to all of their guests. Due to our itinerary, we regrettably could only spend 2 nights at Stonehaven. When we had to leave- as if leaving close family- we truly hoped we would return soon!
Stonehaven is very conveniently located a short bike ride or drive to many local wineries including fantastic lunch spots and dinner options. Our advice; however, is to bypass the overpriced Herzog degustation meal in exchange for dining-in at Stonehaven
1) Bigger portions.
2) Better conversation
3) Absolutely wonderful meal by the marvelous Paulette who is an incredible cook!
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal of NZ green lipped mussels and lamb, made perfect by the great wine pairings.
The room in which we stayed had a comfortable bed, large ensuite bathroom; was smartly decorated and very clean. The view across the vineyard towards the mountains was spectacular. Breakfast at Stonehaven was another treat beyond our expectations - one of the many highlights of our stay (kudos again to Paulette’s talent in the kitchen!) All in all- we can only give highest recommendations to this fantastic stay.

An extra note: being a younger couple in our 20s, my husband and I both agree that at a few other accommodations, we sometimes sensed a little less “warmth” from some of the hosts with which we came in contact. Perhaps we imagined the inauthentic feelings we felt, or perhaps these were exhibited equally towards all patrons by the particular host, but NOT SO at Stonehaven. We experienced the most genuine of friendliness and graciousness to each guest, a quality that would bring us back again to stay at Stonehaven in a flash!

Situated in the middle of a vineyard in the heart of New Zealand's Marlborough wine district, Stonehaven VIneyard Homestay is a surprisingly affordable (considering the quality of the homestay experience) accommodation. The hosts, John and Paulette, are perfectly wonderful folks who treat each guest as if he or she is the only person in the house. Conversation, local information and a glass of some of the wonderful and largely undiscovered or unavailable wines are offered to the weary traveler by John as well as information about the local wineries to tour. And the breakfasts! They are glorious in presentation, nutrition and taste. Paulette is a gifted cook and the table groans with copious amounts of tasty morsels. In a month of tramping around both islands this was the high point in luxury and comfort without giving away the farm and selling the kids into slavery. We give this house our highest possible and unqualified recommendation.