The Gum Tree Cottage is a modest open plan architecturally designed studio built on a stunning 2,000 square metre very private tree covered section which runs down to the beach. The property enjoys all day sun and views over Wellington harbour. It has one double bed in the main studio and one separate smaller bedroom/study with a single bed. It has a small kitchen and bathroom with washing machine dishwasher and all whiteware, small television and radio CD player. There is a BBQ on the large sheltered deck. There are two clothes dryers in a detached service area or "man cave" Four bicycles are available for your use. Heating options include electric wall heaters & a wood burner. Wood is provided. The cottage is mostly double glazed. Ultrafast Wifi is provided. The cottage is attached to but closed off by locked double doors from a new wing that we have built below the cottage. The double doors mean there is no noise transmission between the two wings. We use this wing as our home but are often away. The two wings are completely private one from the other and each has its own private deck and separate access. Access to the site is via a long driveway to a car deck for parking. Please park on one side of the top deck, it accommodates 2 cars. The gum tree cottage is accessed via a flight of steps down from the car deck. Elderly people have no trouble with the steps, but the property is not suitable for persons in wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome but it must be understood that the site is not fenced & we have a one off (not per night) dog cleaning fee of $30. If you bring a dog you can pay this fee in cash. It must also be understood that the dog must be kept off the beds & soft furniture. If your dog is not trained to do this we would suggest you not rent this cottage. Wild deer often come on to the property to eat the grass and steal our plums. Please also note that the cottage is built in and surrounded by trees. The trees flower and attract birds, insects and from time to time ants. As a consequence, it is almost impossible to stop small numbers of insects from entering the cottage. We do not like to spray and poison too much in such a beautiful environment. If you are going to be an upset finding a live or dead ant in the cottage this booking is not for you. We take a lot of pride in cleaning the cottage but it may sit empty for a day or two before you arrive. We leave some windows open to air the property and a moth, spider or ant may visit between our clean and your arrival. They are part of life and we are in their environment not the other way around. We don't always live on site but are able to meet guests if they need assistance or advice. Guests are welcome to self-check-in at any time after 3 pm. York Bay is one of a necklace of bays on the sunny eastern side of Wellington Harbour. Bikeways, bush walks, buses and ferries connect the bays to Eastbourne, Hutt City and Wellington. Nature rules. It can be calm, but it can also be windy and wild. There is good swimming in the calm bays from November through to April but in the winter the sea can be wild and beautiful. Native birds and even deer come on to the property to steal the fruit. We have captured the deer on night cameras but have never seen them. Busses and ferries connect York Bay to Eastbourne, Hutt City and Wellington. Busses No.81, 83 and No 85 run from Eastbourne to Lower Hutt and Wellington. The best fun way to Wellington is by Ferry, which leaves from Days Bay. You can walk to Day's Bay in about 25 minutes or ride in 5. You can take a bike on the ferry which docks right in the centre of Wellington. There are generally two or three bikes available under the deck beside the steps down to the cottage. A car is probably best. There is only room for one guest car on the property. If you have friends visiting please ask them to park on the street. We will tell you where the key is and give you other instructions once you confirm your booking. Lastly, it pays to do a shop before you arrive as it is about 4 or 5 km to the nearest shops back along the same roads which lead to York Bay and the cottage. The Eastbourne shops which include a small supermarket is around 2 km away.