We are your hosts, Wendy and Fred
We have been in New Zealand since February 2004. We arrived from the UK after spending 5 years running a very successful, award winning B & B in the South-West of England
As the Ash Grove is a small motel, we are able to offer the personal service of a B & B, with the independence of self-catering. We are happy to help in any way we can to make your holiday in the beautiful Bay of Islands as enjoyable as possible.
We do a lot of the work ourselves and Fred is always happy to chat whilst cleaning the pool or doing a bit of gardening.
You may also meet one or both of our two British cats, Harry and Alfie (yes, we bought them out with us), who wander around the garden and check out the guests! We are both keen golfers, and one of us can normally be persuaded to play a few holes with anyone wanting a game.
Customer service is of paramount importance to us, as you will see from our "Guest Comments". We can guarantee a warm welcome to everyone.

We are proud to share a small selection of the many wonderful comments we have had from our guests, many of whom have become regular visitors and friends.

"Having traveled both South and North Islands for 4 weeks, this is the best motel of the tour! Clean, welcoming, tranquil, picturesque, beautiful decor, lovely pool, every attention to detail and nothing too much trouble for the hosts. We will recommend to all our friends and we plan to return ourselves" - Roger & Lynne, UK

"Wasn't just the things expected to make a holiday comfortable, but the things that make it memorable. Immaculate pool, gardens, tasteful decor, co-ordinated linen, colourful pottery, lavender bags at bed head, Ecomist freshener, exchange library, internet, comprehensive info pack. Home made "welcome" muffins!! And lovely hosts - our second visit - hope to come again" - Linda & Brian, UK

"Beautifully presented units, impeccable cleanliness and warm, welcoming and caring hosts. The gardens, views, pool etc. felt like a home away from home. A must place to stay and enjoy the region" - Michael, Australia

"Our experience with Wendy and Fred has been superb from the booking call to departure. Their very friendly interaction with guests is gauged just right and the property is beautifully maintained and spotless. Well exceeded expectations" - Heather, NZ

"Lovely big rooms, excellent beds, muffins on arrival!! Everything was just lovely - better than home! Fred and Wendy are great hosts and the facilities are excellent. Wish we'd stayed longer" - Carina & Anton, NZ

"A very relaxing and happy stay in a welcoming and safe enviroment" - NZ guests

"Of the eleven establishments we stayed in around the North & South Island, this was the best" - Australian guests

"Wendy & Fred offer a very thorough service - from our initial booking they kept us informed by email, organized tickets for trips and a New Years Eve event, gave us a lift into Paihia for the boat trip - all well beyond the call of duty. The BBQ was great and the whole atmosphere very relaxed and homely. Thank you" - Mark & Claire, UK

"A warm & friendly welcome with help in booking and starting tours from here. All facilities provided were of a high standard. We would recommend this place without hesitation" - Carmen & Fred, Germany.