IDESIA

Bed & Breakfast

Richmond, Nelson N.Z.

Your hosts Jenny and Barry

For a number of years Jenny & Barry had enjoyed entertaining, so when the opportunity came it was an easy step to open a B&B. They soon realised the need to be professional and to provide a service to satisfy guests’ tourism requirements

Idesia B&B was set up in 1999 when Jenny & Barry moved to Richmond. The house was just 3 years old then and had been built by a builder for his family. Because of the design the guest rooms, in different parts of the house, had the advantage of giving guests more privacy. We liked the home immediately as it was built in permanent materials, insulated, had solar water heating and was elevated to catch the sun all day. Warm in winter and cool in summer.We were close to Richmond’s shops and services so we could walk or cycle and only use our car occasionally.
We chose the name Idesia for our B&B because beautiful Idesia trees are growing in and around the entrance.
 

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14 Idesia Grove
Richmond
Nelson
New Zealand

Phone: 03 544 0409

Fax:     03 544 0402

Reservations
N.Z. only
0800 361 845
 

GPS:
        -41.35029  S
       173.18931  E
 

Jenny was born in Greymouth and educated at the local primary and secondary schools before training as primary Teacher at Christchurch Teachers College. After graduating she embarked on her career in the North Island at Featherston and later in Upper Hutt. While the children were growing, Jenny did day to day and long term supply teaching, and developed skills in supporting children with Special Needs. In 1997 she was employed as Teacher of the Deaf in the Nelson region and following this studied for the Diploma in Education of Students with Hearing Impairment and Higher Diploma of Teaching.
Since retiring Jenny works as a volunteer guide at Broadgreen Historic House, an example of an early colonial cob construction house built about 1855. She is also on the committee for “Keep Richmond Beautiful” group part of the national organisation “Keep New Zealand Beautiful” carrying out environmental improvements and education focused activities.

Barry was born in Lower Hutt (near Wellington) and grew up in the adjacent township of Petone. He attended a local Primary school followed by a secondary education at Hutt Valley High School. Some years at University resulted in a degree in Electrical Engineering. First employment was at Philip’s Electrical TV & radio assembly plant before moving to their picture tube (black & white) factory. A time at a motor vehicle assembly plant in Production Engineering followed before a move into the Computer Industry in 1968. After 20 plus years with computers retirement beckoned and with the move to Nelson a new interest grew in to the Tourism Industry and B&B hosting. Other interests include a monthly Probus meeting and SeniorNet – a computer “club” for older people with an interest in computers and modern technology.

After Jenny and Barry married they lived in Upper Hutt and later in nearby Silverstream while their family of 2 boys and 2 girls were growing up. Now they return to the Hutt Valley to visit their children’s families and 3 grandchildren. One daughter lives close by in Richmond with our 5 year old grandson enabling us to get together frequently.

The Westcoast of the South Island is a special place for both Jenny and Barry. Jenny’s Grandparents came to Greymouth from Manchester, UK in 1913, her mother was born there. Barrys’ Great grandparents came from the U.K. and after some travels arrived at Seddonville (named after an early Prime Minister, Richard John Seddon – “King Dick”). From mining backgrounds they were drawn to the coal mine at Seddonville. There Barry’s maternal Grandparents met and married. His paternal Grandfather travelled from Ireland to Masterton area (Wairarapa) and there met his New Zealand borne Grandmother (9^th of 16 of the Adams family).

Truly 2^nd and 3^rd generation New Zealanders, who are committed to providing quality accommodation and service.

The Idesia or “Wonder Trees” that grow in our Grove are natives of China/Japan. Deciduous with handsome heart shaped leaves carried on reddish stalks. Greenish fragrant flowers produce red berries in the winter. The berries are only borne on female trees.

         Idesia tree in winter.