Having spent much of her life “living out of a suitcase” it was only logical that when Angela Hawkins finally decided to lay down roots for good, it would be in the hotel business.
Dyers House, ViewHaving spent much of her life “living out of a suitcase” it was only logical that when Angela Hawkins finally decided to lay down roots for good, it would be in the hotel business.
The former Class 1 British Airways flight attendant has also worked as a marketing manager for an international hotel chain and even co-founded an air charter company in Wellington (little wonder that one of her daughters became a commercial airline pilot, too) so guests at her gorgeous Christchurch boutique hotel, Dyers House, can rest assured that they’re being hosted by a hospitality and travel expert, ably abetted by her equally well-travelled husband, Barry.
“Having travelled widely and both lived overseas means we’re also able to be conscious of cultural needs,” she says. “Rather than traditional cooked breakfasts, for instance, we have a European style offering, with cheeses and smoked salmon, a fruit platter, a big choice of yoghurts and cereals, and Danish pastries. We cater for all dietary requirements, whether they be allergies or vegetarian or gluten-free. We have had people from 30 different countries stay with us now.”
Angela and Barry have been running Dyers House for 17 years.
The luxury boutique hotel is set in a beautiful century-old Edwardian villa that the pair spent two years renovating and modernising while always “respecting its heritage”.
“We wanted to keep the feel of the house, because she had good bones,” continues Angela, “but we wanted to modify it. We knew that it we were going to attract the higher end of the market, then we needed high end facilities, so we got a heritage architect in and had the rooms redesigned.”
Improvements included sizeable en-suite bathrooms, underfloor heating, triple glazing and “having everything insulated to within an inch of its life!” While the traditional, romantic English aesthetics were always going to appeal to well-heeled European and American clientele, Angela and Barry have been pleasantly surprised by the reaction of their Asian guests too.
“Especially the Chinese. They’re usually aged around 30 or 40, and we always imagined that they’d go for something a little trendier, but they’re just fascinated by the place,” beams Angela. “They say that there’s nothing like this left in China.”
Angela tells Verve that she still gets the biggest kick from meeting folk from around the globe.
“You never know who is standing on your doorstep, it’s just lovely. We have made so many friends and had so many invitations to go overseas to stay with people. People have fascinating stories to tell, and especially when they stay more than a couple of days they tend to really open up and you find out so much about them.”
Do guests tend to socialise with each other also?
“Oh yes, all of the time—some sit chatting ’til noon!”
With so many making Queenstown their go-to South Island destination, Angela laments that many Kiwis are missing out on the new-look Christchurch.
“There are the beaches and wine trails, ballooning, jet boating, and of course the museums and art galleries,” she adds. “We always tell people to start off with the tram ride as it gives them a good look around. Christchurch is just such a friendly place with so much to offer. People are quite surprised when they get here. Those that just book a night or two often express regret for not booking more.”
Dyers: House of Dreams
- The five-star boutique lodging offers spectacular views of the city, the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean to accompany its spectacular service.
- Wi-fi is free and unlimited throughout the residence, as are in-room treats like cakes and the mini-bar.
- Kick back with a book in a leather armchair in the library, or among the fragrant roses of the fairytale-like English country garden that surrounds the hotel.
- Breakfast is prepared using local, organic produce.
- Guests may choose from three character-laden rooms, all with underfloor heating, duck down quilts, Egyptian cotton sheets, slippers, and high-end toiletries.
- The Garden Room occupies the original sitting room, with a private patio, premium marbled bathroom with a massive walk-in shower—and of course garden views!
- Cornices and corbels lend “elements of a bygone charm” the classy Federation Room, finished in soothing soft greys and alabaster tones that hark back to its Edwardian roots.
- Bright and airy, the White Room sports enormous sunny windows, a sizeable sitting area for contemplation and a private patio space replete with its own pond.
