Rue Grehan Retreat - Dual Decks and Easy Access - New Listing November 2026!
Exchange the city for New Zealand’s charming slice of French seaside paradise, just 90 minutes from Christchurch. The scenic drive over Banks Peninsula offers panoramic ridge-top views, and arriving in Akaroa feels like discovering a different world.
Welcome to Ru Grehan Retreat, a modern, architectural home designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living. Flat, sheltered sections are rare here, and our sheltered home provides easy drive-on access with off street parking. A timber boardwalk guides you to the front entry.
Inside, the open-plan living area is filled with natural light, featuring high ceilings and sliding doors that open on two sides. A woodfire serves as the heart of the main lounge during cooler months. Relax on the sofas or in a chair in front of the windows overlooking the garden. The adjoining dining space flows into a very well equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, induction hob, microwave, nespresso, and a breakfast bar with seating.
The living area connects to two sun-drenched outdoor decks. The covered main deck features a large alfresco dining table and cushioned seating, overhead heaters for cool evenings, and a pull-down blind for late afternoon shade. The second deck provides an additional outdoor table with a sun umbrella and a barbecue, perfect for coffee and croissant in the morning sunshine, or outdoor meals. Both decks have views over the garden towards the surrounding hills and harbour.
Accommodating up to six guests, the home includes three double bedrooms that each feature wide sliding stacker doors opening onto the decking. The master bedroom offers a private ensuite, while a second queen bedroom has direct walk-through access to the primary bathroom, which includes both a shower and a glass-enclosed bathtub. The third bedroom is fitted with twin single beds, ideal for children or additional guests.
Conveniently located just a short walk from Akaroa’s vibrant village centre, you are only minutes away from local cafes, shops, the marina, and the harbourfront. Whether you are gathering for long lunches or dinners on the deck, exploring the historic streets, or relaxing by the fire, this stylish home offers a great base for your next getaway.
**Please note: We hope to have fibre installed before 1 December and will update wifi availability as soon as it’s confirmed.
Kitchen & Dining
The fully equipped kitchen comes with an induction hob, oven, dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, nespresso machine and a breakfast bar with stool seating. Indoor dining centers around an oval table for six right alongside the kitchen space. Outside, a covered deck area offers a large outdoor dining setup for alfresco meals, while the northfacing deck off the kitchen is the perfect spot for coffee or breakfast in the morning sunshine.
Bedrooms
Three peaceful double bedrooms comfortably accommodate up to six guests. The master suite features a private ensuite, while the second queen bedroom offers direct access to the main bathroom. The third bedroom provides two single beds, and every room opens through wide sliding doors directly onto the decking.
Bathrooms
The home includes two full bathrooms to make morning routines seamless. The primary bathroom features a glass-enclosed bathtub and separate shower, along with a heated towel rail. The master bedroom has its own modern ensuite equipped with a corner glass shower.
Outdoor Areas
Two sunlit decks expand the living space into the garden, complete with views towards the surrounding hills and harbour. The main covered deck features overhead radiant heaters and a drop-down blind for late afternoon shade. The secondary deck includes an outdoor table, sun umbrella, and a barbecue for summer cooking.
Entertainment
A flat-screen television is mounted in the main living space and built-in shelving provides a selection of books to enjoy while relaxing indoors. The buffet contains a variety of games. Wide sliding doors connect the indoor lounge to the outdoor entertainment areas.
Nearby
Nestled just moments from the heart of the village, our home is designed for relaxation and recharging. It’s a five minute stroll to the park and recreation/cricket ground, marina, market, shops, cafes, restaurants & harbour. Explore the village’s charm and beautifully preserved 19th century cottages and free museum, or enjoy beautiful food with breathtaking views up Lighthouse Road at Caldera Vineyard. Book a harbour cruise to see the very special Hector Dolphins or head out on one of the myriad of walks the hills offer.
Our local butchery is excellent, the supermarket well stocked and you will need to arrive early at the Boulangerie for croissants, pain au chocolat and just-baked bread.
Are you a foodie? My very favourite thing to do in Akaroa is a class at the renowned Akaroa Cooking School. Six hours of food and drink indulgence with many tips and recipes easy enough to make at home. It’s best to book ahead, although it’s also worth checking for short notice openings.
Luxury Amenities
A indoor woodfire brings warmth and atmosphere to the main living area during winter stays. Radiant outdoor heaters mounted on the covered deck and a basket of knee blankets allow for comfortable evening dining year-round. Modern architectural design and continuous timber decking create an effortless flow throughout the property.
House Rules
* No smoking or vaping inside
* No parties, events, or unbooked overnight guests. Quiet hours 10:00pm – 7:00am
* Kindly remove your shoes at the entrance. The wicker basket near the front door is provided for outdoor shoes
* Please turn off all appliances including the heat pump, heated towel rails and outdoor heaters when leaving the property. Thank you!
Safety Features
Safety Features
* Smoke alarms installed
* Fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen
* First aid kit available
Accessibility Features
Accessible parking on‑site, Step-free entrance
Booking Cancellation Policy
Guests may cancel their booking up to 14 full days before check-in to receive a full refund of the booking amount. Cancellations made less than 14 full days before check-in are non-refundable. The 3% bank payment fee is non-refundable in all cases.