Eliza's Manor
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.
Words by Izzie Thompson & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
82 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
Nearby Places
The Mayfair
For the discerning modern traveller, The Mayfair is a rare and precious find in the typically heritage-focused city of Christchurch.
Boo's
Inventive in its approach to dining, Boo's draws from the savant of comfort food: Southern American cuisine.
NOKI
On the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Ave, NOKI harnesses the deliciousness of Korean ingredients to make brunch interesting again.
The Lane
Tucked next door to the Sudima Christchurch city hotel on Salisbury Street, The Lane is so much more than a hotel restaurant.
Similar Places
Tiny Door
Tiny Door is New Zealand’s very first hole-in-the-wall food experience, offering restaurant quality food in a quick-as-a-flash grab-and-go manner to the hungry people...
Gap Filler Dance-O-Mat
If it’s a good enough dance floor for old Prince Charles and Camilla then it’s good enough for you too.
Objectspace at Sir Miles Warren Gallery
Objectspace is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading gallery dedicated to design, craft and architecture.
Ngaio Marsh House
Ngaio Marsh House sits in a beautiful spot on the lower slopes of Christchurch’s Cashmere Hills.