First Occupant's Impression of the Sleepout

Tim

Stayed: Feb - Oct 2021

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I found the cabin. I know I’ve always felt a bit different and that having my own space felt like a great idea. No-one to get in the way of my pedantic, perhaps slightly obsessive tendencies. I also love nature. I’m trying to love it more as a city-bred person.

Where to begin? The cabin and whole property have a calm, grounded feel. Dave and Marie are lovely, warm, and down to earth. I felt very welcome and free to be myself, which can be pretty odd – thanks for accommodating my various eccentricities! I didn’t miss the noise of city traffic. I remember making breakfast in the semi-outdoor kitchen to birdsong, all wrapped up in my puffer jacket and feeling immensely present and grateful. There were many occasions like that where my mind seemed to slow down or stop.

I got friendly with parrots, pukekos, and the chickens. The latter loves digging up the garden which I’m not sure Dave enjoys as much. I didn’t get so friendly with the mosquitos which were unfortunately highly present during the warmer season. I became very adept at killing them with an electric racquet though – it became a bit of a sport. I spent many days sitting out in the sun with a book and cup of tea and thoroughly soaking up the natural vibe. Even in the winter with thunderous, pouring storms, you can still sit undercover and marvel at the power of nature.

I enjoy my own space, although I did get a little lonely, especially with the lockdowns. I’m meticulously neat and the cabin and the kitchen became displays of this perfection. I brought my commercial water filter, turned off the Wi-Fi at night, and washed all my fruit with baking soda. I sung and rapped at maximum volume, I watched documentaries and called my partner while making lunch, and no-one was there to complain or suggest watching something boring on Netflix instead.

All in all, it was a very pleasant experience, although I’m not convinced I’d live on my own again. I don’t believe I’m enough of an introvert to enjoy it – Myers Brigg’s personality test has me pegged at a consistent 50/50 split.

It’s a charming little natural getaway in New Zealand’s largest city. A lot of effort has gone into making it the gem it is, and I highly recommend staying here if you feel so inclined.

Tim

https://evolvewithtim.com/

The Sleepout #12 – Fantail Cottage Retreat

 

Our Fantail Cottage sleepout has slowly evolved over time to become a self-contained retreat suitable for medium term stays for travellers, artists, or students. It's quiet and peaceful and is surrounded by landscaped gardens, trees and native birds. 

In an effort to make it more comfortable and to extend the liveable area we attached PVC screens around the perimeter of the decking which shields it from the wind and rain. We also put carpet over the decking to keep it warmer in the cooler months. In summer the screens can be rolled up to keep it cool. 

A semi-outdoor kitchen equipped with basic amenities as well as a detached luxury bathroom only a few metres away means the sleepout's mostly self contained. 

There's still work to do around the place including concrete paths and steps to finish off so no doubt it will continue to evolve over time.

This is part 12 in a series of articles about the Sleepout. 

Read it from the beginning here