Michael, I can't thank you enough for sharing your retreat. That word very much sums it up. It is warm, cozy, clean and functional. It was very hard to leave on my last day. Close to town but very quiet. Easy walking distance to the Victorian area, and the centre of town. The garden offers self sufficiency for cooking, herbs in abundance and some fruit trees to which I did indulge. Michael offers an attention to detail that's warm and inviting, informative and non intrusive. Noisel Archie kept me company on the back step quite frequently, he must have known I needed a feline fix. I would liked to have stayed and chatted more with you. Next time I will, and will try some of your beer. I will definately be back to The Bookbinder's Retreat on my next trip. Warmest Regards Sharyn

Michael's 'Bookbinder's Retreat' definitely belongs to our most beautiful places to stay in New Zealand! It is an extraordinary cosy hide-away cabin which is perfectly well designed and where much love in details are spent. Also the garden surrounding is an oasis for relaxing between apple and pear trees and blossoms. We loved it to stay there and recommend it to everybody who attach importance to a beautiful interior and a very sympathetic host!

To stay at the "Bookbinder's Retreat" and to meet Michael O'Brien was something very special and we will not forget both of them quickly. We were transported back into another century and felt a bit like the early settlers. All the items in the cottage were genuine and lovingly selected and put there to be used. We enjoyed Michael's home-made sour dough bread, the free-range eggs, his beer and the interesting chats that we had with him and not to forget "Archie", his adorable and very friendly cat.