Picnic Creek Bed & Breakfast, Clyde, Central Otago, New Zealand
Low, sleek and showcasing the best of Central Otago architecture, recently completed (October, 09) Picnic Creek Bed and Breakfast is Wendy and 'Jacko' Jack's dream home purpose-built to share with others. Proponents of less is more, Wendy and Jacko have created a living space that would leave television's Gavin McLeod, presenter of 'Grand Designs', grasping for superlatives.
On entering the reception foyer the most striking feature is glass. Wall to wall, floor to ceiling. A frameless window drawing the eye across manicured lawn to a quarter acre duck pond and beyond that, the Cairnmuir and Dunstan Ranges. Off the foyer runs the guest wing of three spacious bedrooms each with its own, fully tiled ensuite; one of which includes a deep, luxurious bath. All ensuites have under floor heating. Designed to capture all day sun, with extended eaves giving necessary shade when the sun is at its highest, each guest room has multi-track sliding doors that literally open up two thirds the length of the room to bring the outdoors in. During cooler months the gas-filled double glazing of these same doors helps guarantee a cosy night's sleep.
Guests are welcome to join Wendy and Jacko in the lounge-kitchen; possibly the most stunning feature of their home where 'indoor – outdoor flow' is taken to its ultimate conclusion. Floor to ceiling multi-track doors at opposite ends of the lounge slide back to create maximum through flow of occupants and breeze; a prerequisite for Central Otago summers. At one side, the views. At the other, the large, sheltered courtyard for alfresco dining. And for those guests seeking privacy there's a second lounge that would do any five star accommodation proud.
Access to Picnic Creek Bed & Breakfast is off Earnscleugh Road or direct from the Centennial Walkway which follows the banks of the Clutha and is often used as an alternative route to cycling or walking the Otago Central Rail Trail between Clyde and Alexandra.
