About Us

My son, Jake, and I welcome you to the City Sanctuary. We are committed to ensuring your stay is perfectly relaxing and enjoyable.

After living in Australia for quite a few years, we returned to New Zealand in 1997 and spent the next 8 years in the beautiful township of Geraldine in South Canterbury. Then, in 2005, Dunedin beckoned us and this wonderful city is now very much our home.

I enjoy everything about this gorgeous old home! It's gardens are a delight, and you will find me pottering in them most days. In Spring they are a profusion of colour, with spring-flowering bulbs, wisteria, magnolia, rhododendrons, and roses making a beautiful display. The birdlife in the garden is amazing - wood pigeons, tuis, bellbirds, to name a few. Apart from my gardening enthusiasm, I am also a passionate "stitcher" - having previously owned two Quilting and Patchwork shops, before coming to the City Sanctuary, you will find many of my hand-stitched quilts scattered around the rooms. When not gardening, or stitching, I am in the process of slowing but surely renovating this home to it's former glory. You can read more about that "process" on my blog - www.thecottageatthetopofthestairs.blogspot.com.

My son, Jake, attends High School and is a passionate downhill mountain biker. This activity takes place away from the house, though, so you can be assured of peace and tranquillity during your stay!