Cotter House: Articles

INSTEP Gold Award

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1200

BEAUTIFUL COTTER HOUSE ACHIEVES GOLD: For the past three years Cotter House had made a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 5% and has achieved this target three times over with a total reduction of 19% of overall carbon emissions, thus achieving Instep GOLD certification.

Ms Gloria Poupard-Walbridge, the owner of the luxurious boutique lodge Cotter House of Remuera, has been actively taking actions to reduce the impact the lodge has on the environment. Despite the challenges of running a heritage building, Ms Poupard was successful in reducing energy, water and fuel consumption, as well as increasing waste minimisation, and implementing green policies throughout all areas of the retreat. Ms Poupard also actively participated in conservation projects such as Motuihe Island reforestation project and Trees For Survival, encouraging students thorough environmental awareness development programmes.

Located in the leafy suburb of Remuera, Cotter House is ideal for romantic getaways, functions and corporate meetings. This luxurious accommodation offers modern facilities in a Heritage building. Contact Gloria today to make a booking.

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CONGRATULATIONS Gold ACHIEVERS!

Source: INSTEP Gold Award

All Your Wine Cellar dreams

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300

Gloria Poupard-Walbridge brings French flair to hospitality in Auckland, but says ‘It works best when I add New Zealand flair, too’.

What’s the thinking behind Cotter House?

As a French diplomat’s wife for 21 years, I knew how much I loved entertaining, giving dinner parties and cocktail parties. And I also needed a suitable setting for my extensive art collection. Cotter House answers all my dreams.

It’s special isn’t it?

It’s one of the five oldest houses in New Zealand with a heritage dating right back to 1847. You can’t new-build history and atmosphere like this.

Has Cotter changed you at all?

It’s allowed me to fully develop my passion for New Zealand wines. I support boutique wineries and love matching their extraordinary wines to authentic New Zealand cuisine.

So, Cotter has a good wine cellar?

A great one I’d say! There’s an emphasis on depth and breadth; sometimes I buy just a few bottles of exceptional vintages. For degustation dinners, I often choose Morton Estate’s selection. Others might be Esk Valley, Mount Riley (some of my favourites) or Gunn Estate, a favourite of Patty, wife of Keith Richard of the Rolling Stones

Your favourites?

Koru Sauvignon Blanc from a 1-hectare vineyard and therefore a true expression of its terroir; there are only about 500 cases every year. Riseborough Cabernet Sauvignon - it has aromas of dark berries with nuances of violets and a lingering, hot finish. And among New Zealand’s extraordinary pinot noirs, Pyramid Valley Eaton Family Pinot Noir 2007 – there’s every imaginable red fruit but spices too plus the dusty/earthy note so typical of this site.

But ask me tomorrow and I’ll choose three others!

Source: All Your Wine Cellar dreams

What Others are saying

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1300

“An absolutely superb stay. Gloria is a wonderful host. Our bed was the most comfortable we have ever found away from home and breakfast a real treat.” - Bob & Karen, Cyprus

“Gloria - you spoiled me, you are an amazing cook, host and welcoming warm personality. Your home is incredible - thank you for taking such good care of me” - Jennifer, California

“Everything was perfect” - Rose and Dieter, Germany

“Excellent Gloria: you are wonderful, a wealth of information, very caring and thoughtful” - Kay and Kelly, Russell - to see full list of testimonials

Source: What Others are saying

Conde Nast Concierge.com's insider take:

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +1300

This Regency mansion, the fifth oldest house in Auckland, was built in 1847 in what is now the city's stateliest suburb.

From 1995 to 2001, owner Gloria Poupard-Walbridge restored the house to its original style, with egg-and-dart molding and recessed arches, and filled it with antiques, religious icons, and modern art gathered over her two decades of travel as a French diplomat's wife.

The two rooms and two suites (including the owner's private apartment, available only if you book the entire house) are spacious and sumptuously furnished.

The Bronze suite is the pick, with an Art Nouveau queen bed, heirloom Irish linen sheets, and a handsome antique mirror over the marble fireplace. Unwind in the adjacent dayroom on an 1860 single sleigh bed and watch DVDs (as Keith Richards did in 2006 after falling from a palm tree in Fiji). Or luxuriate in the deep tub overlooking the leafy grounds.

Though the house is usually booked in its entirety, as a private villa rental, visitors can also reserve a single room or suite, under a Standard Retreat or a Deluxe Retreat plan.

Source: Conde Nast Concierge.com's insider take:

AT THE INN ROOM Review by Susan Kurosawa

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Heirs and graces of a sumptuous Auckland retreat. IT is a few weeks before Christmas and Gloria Poupard-Walbridge has been decking the halls of Cotter House (view full media article)

Source: AT THE INN ROOM Review by Susan Kurosawa