Set among peaceful countryside just minutes from Raglan, Three Streams Retreat gives guests room to unwind while remaining close to everything the town has to offer. The Local Rag caught up with Lucy Bourke to hear about the experience.
How many years have you been running Three Streams and how has it developed over time?
Callum and I started developing the accommodation side of Three Streams not long after we moved to this property in 2017. We started by converting our old stables into The Studio, and a couple of years later we added Blackwood Cabin.
What inspired you to create a boutique accommodation business in Raglan, and what about your property made it a good option?
Growing up we always had guests on our farm, hosting farm homestays, and luncheons for passing tourist buses, so it seemed like a familiar way to make living here work for us. We are also very fortunate to have a property that lends itself to a boutique accommodation business with beautiful natural features, close proximity to town, while still having the space and privacy for our guests to truly unwind (and enjoy everything that Raglan has to offer).
Is running an accommodation business all-consuming for you? — what does a typical day look like, and over the years how have you made it manageable?
Getting everything set up and running well takes time, but over the years with technology and management platforms, we have streamlined the booking and arrival process. For several years, I worked from home as a consultant and did as much of the cleaning as possible myself, but recently I have stepped back into the teaching world, so I have less time. The key has been having the most fabulous cleaner. Tracy Brechelt has been here from the start and knowing I have a 150% reliable person who will do want needs doing, means I am able to head over the hill to work.
What are some of the little details or experiences you’ve introduced that you hope make a stay with you feel genuinely special?
People love the little touches, like chocolates on arrival, Raglan coffee and Dreamview milk in the fridge. We love promoting local artists too which adds a special Raglan touch, such as, Geb Burns, Megan Hockly, Hayley Hamilton, Tony Sly, Sarah Bing etc… (Our art scene is second to none in Raglan)
Do you ever have local guests seeking an easy get away?
Yes sometimes! We do a locals discount and we’re always very happy to have local people come and have a ‘staycation’ in Raglan. We also offer gift vouchers, so we get a lot of people buying these for Christmas, wedding presents, and birthdays. We are happy for locals discounts on these too.
What have your guests taught you about Raglan — or about what people are really looking for when they escape to a place like this?
People absolutely love Raglan. It’s always a favourite place for tourists and people escaping the city. It reminds us how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the country with such fantastic community of people. We feel blessed to be able to raise our children here and call this place home.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the accommodation business?
From the regular feedback we receive, our guests love staying at Three Streams Retreat and we are so grateful that they chose to stay with us. Making sure our guests have a memorable, enjoyable experience is paramount and we hope to continue providing this service for many years to come!
How do people find out more and get in touch?
Visit our website, www.threestreams.co.nz , and/or get in touch with me directly for locals discount or to purchase gift vouchers.
E: info@threestreams.co.nz
P: 021765018
