The Big House, a sanctuary in a lush valley bordering the Abel Tasman NP.

Escape the noise and reconnect with Nature.⁣⁣⁣
Welcome to The Big House! A perfect place for rest & reflection, quality time with family & friends or as a refuge after an adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park. ⁣⁣⁣
Originally built in 1970, the property was completely rebuilt in 1998. This renovation added two-story decks, a kitchen, and two extra bedrooms to create the spacious house it is today.⁣⁣⁣

Located within The Community Farm—an intentional community existing for over 40 years—this is a place where nature is not just a view, but a way of life. We invite you to experience a true eco-retreat. Here, you will sleep to the sound of the river, bathe or shower under the open sky, and live in harmony with a community dedicated to connection, sustainability and slow living.⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Marahau’s nourishing facilities ⁣⁣⁣
You can make your stay even more pleasant by visiting the Marahau community's soulful gathering spaces (More info in Guest Guide at arrival).⁣⁣⁣
Fire Sauna: Warm your body and spirit in our traditional fire-heated sauna. It is the perfect antidote to the winter chill and a profound way to detox and relax.⁣⁣ Available for half price for guests of the Big House.⁣
The Barn – The Creative Hub: A rustic, open-air space serving locally roasted Tuatara Coffee Beans and offering a quiet zone for writing, reading, or meditation. It is a place to slow down and let the rhythm of nature guide your day.⁣⁣⁣
Abel Tasman Yoga: Just meters from the entrance to New Zealand's Abel Tasman National Park you will find a purpose built, well equipped Yoga Studio. Ingrid Wagner offers classes & workshops worthwhile joining.⁣⁣⁣
River Access: Just a 2-minute walk to the Marahau River. Dip in the water, or simply sit by the bank and listen to the flow.⁣⁣⁣

Location of the Big House: ⁣⁣⁣
This sanctuary is nestled in the beautiful Marahau Valley, surrounded by native bush, organic gardens and fruit trees, bird song, and the gentle rush of the river.⁣⁣⁣
Abel Tasman Gateway: Only a 5-10 minute drive to the entrance of Abel Tasman National Park.⁣⁣⁣
Community Living: Homes here are separated by gardens, not fences. You are a guest in a living, breathing ecosystem. Please respect the privacy of our long-term neighbors and the quiet rhythm of the valley.⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣
The Big House Eco-Ethos ⁣⁣⁣
We are committed to minimal impact and maximum connection.⁣⁣⁣
Sustainability: From our composting toilets to our commitment to reducing waste and eliminating single-use plastics, we aim to make choices to support & protect this precious land.⁣⁣⁣
True connection: There are no TVs here. Instead, there are books, decks, rivers, and saunas.⁣⁣⁣
Quiet & Respect: To honor the community and the wildlife, we ask for quiet hours after 10:00 PM and no parties. This is a place for restoration, not recreation.⁣⁣⁣
Supplies: The nearest full supermarkets are in Motueka (25 mins). We encourage you to bring your own supplies to minimize travel and support local sourcing.⁣⁣⁣

What to expect during your stay at the Big House:⁣⁣⁣
Deep Rest: Comfortable beds with heating and electric blankets available to keep you warm amidst the cool Tasman winters.⁣⁣⁣
Outdoor Shower & Bath Experience: Covered outdoor shower and bath(s).⁣⁣⁣
(re-)Connection with Nature: Surrounded by native plants and the sounds of the valley, this is a sacred space for cleansing and connection. Imagine washing away the day's stress while feeling the fresh air and hearing the birds.⁣⁣⁣
Eco-Ethos: Next to a flush toilet in the bathroom, there an additional compost toilet available. The waste is transformed into nutrient-rich soil to feed our native trees and fruit gardens.⁣⁣⁣
Shared Living: Access to a fully equipped kitchen, with a fire stove & oven (next to a gas stove & oven). Cook your meals using local produce, share stories with your Whānau, or enjoy a quiet breakfast on the deck overlooking the valley ridge line.⁣

Why Choose a stay at the Big House? ⁣⁣⁣
If you seek a luxury hotel with room service, this is not for you. But if you crave an authentic, earth-connected experience where you can bathe outdoors under the stars, sweat in a fire sauna, drink good quality coffee nearby, and wake up to the sound of the Marahau River, you have found your home.⁣⁣⁣