Chy-an-Dowr
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Chy-an-Dowr

687 Portobello Road Broad Bay, Dunedin 9014 New Zealand
Rosemary's retreat
Traveller (9)
View from garden
Room & Suite (8)

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About

#14 of 36 B&Bs in Dunedin
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality

Finding an ideal romantic bed and breakfast in Dunedin does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Chy-an-Dowr / Rosemary Retreat, a nice option for travellers like you.

While staying at Chy-an-Dowr / Rosemary Retreat, visitors can check out Bellamys Gallery (1.8 mi) and Lime Kilns (1.8 mi), some of Dunedin's top attractions.

Rooms at Chy-an-Dowr / Rosemary Retreat provide a flat screen TV, a kitchenette, and a refrigerator, and getting online is easy, with free wifi available.

And, as an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests.

When you're feeling hungry, you can check out Ballroom Cafe at Larnach Castle (1.0 mi), which is within walking distance of Chy-an-Dowr / Rosemary Retreat.

Best of all, Chy-an-Dowr / Rosemary Retreat makes it easy to experience many great Dunedin attractions like Fletcher House and The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery, which are some popular history museums.

Chy-an-Dowr / Rosemary Retreat looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to Dunedin.

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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Breakfast in the room
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Bathrobes
Seating area
Bottled water
Iron
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Electric blanket
Bath / shower
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Dutch

Reviews
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Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
chuckfew wrote a review Mar 2007
San Francisco
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I stayed here for 2 nights exploring the “Scottish” city of Dunedin with its vibrant student population, the quaint Otago Peninsula (albatross and penguin colonies) and the rugged Catlins Coast further south (more penguins, the New Zealand fur seals and long walks along lonely beaches).

Chy-an-Dowr, the Cornish name for House on the Water, is a quiet, cozy, super clean B&B with all the comfort you can imagine. It is definitely worth the NZ 175 we paid for the Manapai Room.

The 1905 home, a former general store, is located in Broad Bay, a small village halfway up the Otago Peninsula, a stone's throw from Portobello. It has been lovingly restored by Susan and Herman, who moved here from Eindhoven in Holland in 1993. All rooms have views across the Otago Harbour, which separates the Otago Peninsula from the mainland. Susan, a terrific hostess, has thought about every detail, making our stay so memorable. There is a fridge in each room, tea/coffee making facilities, ample towels, comfortable beds and each morning a great breakfast – fully cooked English style if you want it. Susan gave us great advice on what to do in the area. She gladly will make restaurant reservations for you - a definite must in the high season.

We absolutely loved this one and finally mustered the energy to write our first review on Tripadvisor.
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Date of stay: March 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nousvoici wrote a review Feb 2019
Broadway, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Susan and Herman are very welcoming: they have anticipated every need, from welcoming flowers, to fresh fruit, to slippers and bath robes, to breakfast goodies. Lovely and quiet, with great views over the bay and a very comfortable bed in a well-appointed room. We wish we could have stayed longer and would definitely return.
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Date of stay: February 2019
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: It's all good.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valkenswaarder, Owner at Chy-an-Dowr
Responded 25 Feb 2019
Thank you, we are pleased you enjoyed your stay and had a comfortable stay at Chy-an-Dowr. Susan & Herman
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sommer9 wrote a review Mar 2017
NYC
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We very much enjoyed our 2-night stay at Chy-an-Dowr. We booked the Canterbury Suite which is 5! rooms on the top of the house. Everything was extremely comfortable and cozy. We most enjoyed hanging out while watching the incredible view out the window. Susan and Herman were perfect hosts. The breakfast spread was comprehensive and hearty. They even offered to help when we had some car trouble and even though it wasn't necessary it was a great comfort. Their house is located in a great spot right off Portobello Road at one of the beaches. It's really convenient. We hope to return one day to stay again!
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Date of stay: March 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valkenswaarder, Owner at Chy-an-Dowr
Responded 26 Mar 2017
Thank you. We enjoyed hosting you both and are pleased you had a comfortable time in the Canterbury Suite and that you enjoyed the views across the harbor. We would definitely love to see you back again one day. Susan & Herman
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Christhal wrote a review Jan 2015
Melbourne
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We booked Rosemary's Retreat through a Dunedin Booking agency and when we arrived, we could see that the photographs matched the website. There was a scenic drive along the Portobello Road as we skirted the harbour and arrived at this House by the Sea. Susan showed us to the accommodation at the rear of the house- converted stables, through a private entrance through the garden, filled with roses, herbs, even a fruiting apricot tree. It became immediately obvious that Susan takes this business very seriously as she does the comfort of her guests. The sitting area had enough furniture for 4, books, DVDs, magazines and the kitchen was stocked with all needs, including breakfast requirements, which we did not request, and staples such as butter, sugar, oil and condiments if we cared to cook. The bathroom had plenty of towels and shampoo, soap etc in large quantities. Phew! Such a relief from the tiny bars of soap and single rolls of toilet paper....We had the most comfortable sleep in the bed which was made up with quality linen. It was only a short drive into Dunedin and a short but very scenic drive to the Albatross Centre the other way. A beautiful part of the world made memorable with our lovely accommodation.
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Date of stay: January 2015
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valkenswaarder, Owner at Chy-an-Dowr
Responded 4 Jan 2015
We are pleased you liked Rosemary Retreat and enjoyed your stay there.
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kiwi066 wrote a review Jul 2007
boston, ma
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a nice bed and breakfast run by friendly people from the Netherlands. The website is a little misleading in that it's across the road from the water, not on the water. I'm not sure it's possible to have a private bathroom; we didn't. Decent value.
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Date of stay: February 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HPGoh wrote a review Dec 2019
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We booked both rooms as a family of 4 and had the whole upper level to ourselves. It was the most wonderful and beautiful accommodation in our entire NZ holidays, well worth the slight premium in price. The welcome fruit basket and daily servings of croissants and muffins were much appreciated. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Dunedin/Otago peninsula. Thank you Susan and Herman for being such great hosts!
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valkenswaarder, Owner at Chy-an-Dowr
Responded 27 Dec 2019
Thank you. We are pleased you enjoyed your stay at Chy-an-Dowr. It was nice to meet you all and we hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in New Zealand. Susan & Herman
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Euryn J wrote a review Nov 2017
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a gem located in a peaceful garden beside Otago Harbour.

Susan and Herman are impeccably hospitable hosts who are eager to offer helpful travel advice and recommendations.

The apartment is comfortable and all details have been carefully attended to. A delicious self-served breakfast is provided in the well equipped bijou kitchen.

Very highly recommended.
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Date of stay: November 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valkenswaarder, Owner at Chy-an-Dowr
Responded 22 Nov 2017
Thank you for your review and we are very pleased you enjoyed your time at Rosemary Retreat. We really enjoyed meeting you both and it brought back our memories of Wales. Susan and Herman
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Janet W wrote a review Mar 2017
Blackpool, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had been on a tour of Australia and New Zealand for over 8 weeks when we arrived at the Otago Peninsula Rosemary's Retreat. It was a very sweet cottage owned by a very sweet couple Susan and Herman. The cottage was a real home from home for us with everything we needed provided. There was a bath with fluffy robes, breakfast croissants with cereals, coffee and fresh fruit bowl. The peninsula was a stunning place to stay whilst visiting Dunedin which we loved. Well worth a visit.
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Date of stay: March 2017
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The apartment is a stand alone, very charming. I loved it.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valkenswaarder, Owner at Chy-an-Dowr
Responded 26 Mar 2017
Thank you, we are very pleased you enjoyed your stay and felt at home at Rosemary Retreat. And that you had a nice time exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Susan & Herman
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wayne L wrote a review Mar 2017
Cabarita Beach, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
what amazing little b & b, ( although your host will provide breakfast on request but you have to cook it ) upon arriving Susan . (our host and owner )met us at the front door and promptly show us where to park our car then made us feel welcome in a very nice way , showed us to our room and amenities ,gave us a couple of tips then left us to our selves . This is a very stunning place and quiet as well the rooms come fully equipped with every thing except tomorrows clothes .
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Date of stay: March 2017
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: excellent if you just want to wind down
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valkenswaarder, Owner at Chy-an-Dowr
Responded 19 Mar 2017
Thank you, we are pleased you enjoyed your stay at Rosemary Retreat. Enjoy the rest of your holiday in New Zealand! Susan & Herman
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tasidrive wrote a review Feb 2017
Hobart, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a little gem of a B&B situated in a good locality on the Peninsula. I could not fault one thing wrong with this place and I travel alot around NZ I can highly recommend. Every detail was taken care for and really like a home away from home. I would definitely use again.
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Date of stay: February 2017
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip: I hd the small 1 Bedroom studio with small garden out the back of main house
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Valkenswaarder, Owner at Chy-an-Dowr
Responded 28 Feb 2017
Thank you and we are pleased you had a nice stay at Rosemary Retreat. Good luck with your travels. Susan & Herman
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Nousvoici wrote a tip Feb 2019
Broadway, United Kingdom167 contributions59 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"It's all good."
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Janet W wrote a tip Mar 2017
Blackpool, United Kingdom31 contributions17 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The apartment is a stand alone, very charming. I loved it."
Read full review
Wayne L wrote a tip Mar 2017
Cabarita Beach, Australia6 contributions5 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"excellent if you just want to wind down"
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tasidrive wrote a tip Feb 2017
Hobart, Australia39 contributions7 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"I hd the small 1 Bedroom studio with small garden out the back of main house"
Read full review
What wrote a tip Apr 2015
Toronto, Canada835 contributions511 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"There's only one"
Read full review
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LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandOtago RegionDunedin
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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CHY-AN-DOWR - B&B Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions about Chy-an-Dowr
Which popular attractions are close to Chy-an-Dowr?
Nearby attractions include Port To Port Cruises and Wildife Tours (2.2 km), Signal Hill (6.1 km), and Larnach Castle & Gardens (1.5 km).
Which room amenities are available at Chy-an-Dowr?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a seating area.
Is parking available at Chy-an-Dowr?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Chy-an-Dowr?
Conveniently located restaurants include Carey's Bay Historic Hotel, Glenfalloch Gardens Cafe and Restaurant, and 1908 Restaurant.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Chy-an-Dowr?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Dutch.
Are there any historical sites close to Chy-an-Dowr?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Northern Cemetery (7.7 km), Iona Church (3.7 km), and Lime Kilns (2.9 km).
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