Down the western end of the tree-lined Bealey Avenue, a historic manor house has been sitting quietly for over a century and a half. Have you spied it, nestled behind a leafy curtain of mature oaks and manicured hedges? A mere stone’s throw from Christchurch’s green centre, Hagley Park, it is the kind of luxury lodge usually found well off the beaten track and tucked away between rolling hills. Eliza’s Manor, however, is hiding in plain sight - in the heart of the garden city.

Inside the manor, you’ll be greeted with a material feast for the eyes; the carpet is richly patterned, gilded artworks dot the walls and potted plants inject some greenery to the space. The intricately carved kauri staircase magnificently sweeps upstairs, taking your breath with it. The eight rooms at Eliza’s all have a personality, from the different wallpapers, plush ottomans and antique side tables, to the name plaque on each door. 

Back down the ornate staircase, there are a couple of options to choose from to commence the evening’s whiling away; a drink at the bar, sinking into the embrace of a velvety armchair under a stained glass lampshade, or perhaps a seat outside in the courtyard amongst the brick planters while water features bubble away in the background.

As well as the hospitable service, the food and drink offerings at Eliza’s are of a very high calibre, which comes as no surprise - the owners are none other than restaurateurs Francesa Voza and James Summer from Christchurch brunch hotspot Miro. The breakfast and lunch menu at Eliza’s is a similar format to Miro’s, but the manor is also open for dinner. Always champions of local and hyper-seasonal foods, Voza and Summer have created a Canterbury-based tasting menu for the evening meal, with vegetarian and vegan menus available. If you’re too full to think about bedtime ambience rituals after, you can opt for Eliza’s nightly turndown service.

At any other accommodation you may want to head out and explore the area, but at Eliza’s Manor, you’ll more likely want to stay in and enjoy every inch of the premises.