Ugbrooke is an icon of New Zealand history - Heritage listed - this old stately brick homestead sitting on now 16 elevated acres of land ( from original 21,000) was built by Lord William Clifford of Devon England in the 1800s and at 10,000 square feet is one of the largest single storey homes in the country with unique architectural features and timber joinery. Although grand, the home is down to earth and welcoming with the emphasis on relaxation and privacy with renovations and improvements ongoing. Accommodation is hosted by the owners, Peter and Alex, and guests are encouraged to walk in the surrounding vineyards ( subject to vineyard activities) or borrow a bike and cycle down to the sea, Yealands Winery or explore the Awatere Valley. Home cooked dinner in the Edwardian Dining Room featuring local produce is available with prior notice and guests are asked to email ahead to let hosts know if they have any special diets or favourite meals. It is important to note that the hosts love animals and have 3 friendly inside dogs that will often accompany guests for a walk!

Peter and Alex are of British origin and have been actively renovating Ugbrooke for the past 8 years. Peter is a keen cyclist and can advise on the best trails to take in the area and Alex is a keen horsewoman. If guests have riding experience it may be possible to go for a ride with Alex depending on what else is going on at the time. Should you want to take a wine tour, it is important to know, that with the exception of Yealands, the majority of cellar doors are on the northern side of Blenheim. However a wine tour can be organised from Ugbrooke and often Peter will take a personalised wine tour if requested.

The Awatere Valley is a stunning part of Marlborough too often overlooked by guests heading North. To the west is the Kaikoura range and the usually snow clad backdrop of majestic Mt Tapi looking down on the winding road that leads to famous Molesworth Station and the High Country. From Ugbrooke's garden, guests can overlook vineyards to the sparkling blue of the Cook Strait and often see the cliffs of the Eastern edge of the North Island. Just a 15 minute scenic drive away is the spectacular Yealands Winery and one an half hour's south is the seaside town of Kaikoura famous for whale watching and the seals that dot the rocks of the Eastern coast. The town of Blenheim is 20 minutes north just over the Dashwood Range.