Russell's Secluded Secret♡

Loved it would stay again

10.0

Loved it

− Distance to Waitangi

Good large house for a large group in a quiet spot with plenty of beds and living space

8.0

Lovely large house with lots of bedrooms and beds, and good living space.

− Missing a few basics for a large group - like only 5 wine glasses and not many dishwashing tablets - and the kitchen lights only worked sporadiacally

Russell’s Secluded Secret has a beautiful outlook but could be better stocked with glassware.

6.0

Gorgeous view. Abundance of bathrooms.

− 8 people stayed and only 5 wine glasses. Also not enough water glasses to have one for each person. The bed in the first bedroom (low to the floor) sagged in the middle when two people slept on it making it very uncomfortable. Difficult to dispose of rubbish when you’re leaving before the refuse station opens on a day that followed 2 days closed. We had difficulty with the lights in the kitchen flicking off.

Waitangi Week Summary of Stay

5.0

The view from the property and the house itself was amazing ! What a beautifully picturesque location. Additionally the mature grapes were delicious and a lovely addition. Location was stunning and very close to the Russell Car Ferry and passenger ferry. The chatter of the kiwi birds at night time was beautiful.

− The place definitely needs upgrading, the plates and cups were plastic and party cups that you would use at a kids party. There was no air conditioning and it was incredibly hot, even with the doors and windows wide open this did not do anything to minimise the heat inside the house. Whilst we did find the "deducted air" it functioned more as a fan than a cooling unit. The bedding, beds definitely need upgrading, other than the master room, the beds were thin foam on slate beds, not very comfortable at all. I found myself sleeping on the floor as it was more comfortable than the single bed. The house was incredibly dusty and seemed that the only thing the cleaner did was change the linen. The outdoor furniture cushions were covered in mold (all of them), as we entered the place it smelt like mold and was not aired out in months. The bathrooms needed somewhere to hang towels (face and larger towels). Absolutely stunning home (from the outside) definitely needs some refreshing. The driveway, You will need an SUV or a vehicle that is more elevated from the ground we travelled in a Van which is higher than a sedan however it scraped each time. We felt it might be due to the weight of the people, though everyone hopped out of our vehicle and it still scraped . Restricted access to 3 parts of the house. Garage, Room next to lounge, which was full of stuff, the separate granny flat? We were a group of 9, 1 set of couples. The sleeping arrangement was 2 x double rooms, 3 x rooms with 2 singles in them. One of the single rooms was a mattress on the floor. Confirmation of sleeping arrangements would have been a good idea. Additionally you will need to update your booking to include the amount of people staying (not from me mistake). I would consider staying again, if there were desperately needed improvements.

Amazing, but you have to take your rubbish with you.

9.0

Loved the views. The living spaces and kitchen were amazing. Great house for a large group. Russel is a really nice little town.

− Water was a bit discoloured. I'm sure its fine but we chose to drink bottled water. Some of the beds a little bit firm. There is no rubbish service. You need to take it with you to a locate refuse center. When we left on a Sunday they were closed so we had to carry it around for a while.