The Windsor Hotel Project

09/09/2026

08/09/2026

Thought I'd share some of the realities of living a renovation project this size!

Nothing is ever square, ever!!! Makes for interesting building!!

There is always more to do, no matter how much we've already done. The gift that keeps on giving!

There's been 'interesting' materials used in the past - the corflute on the shower is a great example! And lets not forget the colour schemes.....

The wanton destruction that took place here, just blows my mind. We've repaired a lot of it, but there's still many examples. Just beyond my comprehension.....

Living with building works. We have other bathrooms, but the one we're currently working on is the main downstairs one, which is convenient for visitors. Currently not an area that is fit for use!

And last but not least - DUST. EVERYWHERE. RELENTLESSLY!

I am absolutely not complaining! It's not for everyone, but even when it is something you enjoy, there are times that it's just so huge and so messy and overwhelming, that you have to stop and step back and look at how far you've come. And we've come a very long way. Working a renovation like this is a team effort. It takes time, money, effort, help and hard mahi. We love it. It's not romantic, nor for the faint hearted!!!

06/09/2026

It's been a long while since posting but we've been busy through winter painting and getting stuff done. Finally have space to sit for 10 minutes and get some progress photos up.

The downstairs bathroom is our next big job and it's started today with pulling out the old shower, complete with corflute side, to make way firstly for flooring repairs and then a new shower!

Upstairs the old room known as Room 13, the haunted room, is now a functional and tidy area.

More to come, keep posted!!!

29/03/2026

We've had a bit of a challenge recently with the rough weather. Our Ice Cream Bean tree started dropping limbs and on closer inspection, was rotting in the middle of the trunk, making it dangerous and meant it had to come down.

Our lovely friends at Arbor Aid dealt with the tree in no time at all, ensuring the vegetable garden underneath was undamaged, and chipped all the limbs for mulch around the gardens. Can't recommend these guys highly enough!!

And the wet weather has allowed some time for the final bedroom to be painted!! So exciting to achieve that milestone!!! Looking back at what we have achieved so far is very satisfying. Looking forward to finishing a bathroom next!!

31/01/2026

These awesome folks of Taskforce Kiwi - volunteers from all around Aotearoa, have been here in Whangarei staying just down the road from us in our local marae at Ngararaitunua, while they go and slog their hearts out helping the people of Oakura and surrounds after the recent weather events.

When we learned of this we invited them up for a meal and a relax from what must be really tough mahi. These guys give their time to help others and we were honoured to give something back.

This is a volunteer organisation,so if you think you might like to help, get in touch with Taskforce Kiwi direct through their page.

04/01/2026

We’ve had a busy few days! 💨 So far this year, it’s been all about the doors at The Old Windsor:
* ✅ Taken down
* 🎨 Freshly painted
* 🪛 New latches fitted
* ✨ Back on the hinges
One step closer to getting the place exactly where we want it! 🚪🥂

Shout out to Nic of Guardian Mobile Locks for his expertise fitting the door latches!!!

04/01/2026

Shout out to Rhema Sutherland who has given us permission to share this photo of her and her Dad Gilbert. Dad helped the original owners here at Ngararaitunua, Doug and Elizabeth Berry, to create the magic and make this place the wonderful place it was and the place we are striving to recreate. Thank you!!

What a difference trees and time makes!