Judge & Jury Village

We wanted privacy, quiet, and comfortable family time, and this lodge gave us exactly that. The garden was beautiful, and the kids had fun spotting wild hares. There were plenty of children’s books and a good range of board games. The spacious rooms were comfortable, and the kitchen had quality cookware plus all the basics we needed, like olive oil, soy sauce, and salt, and more. Cooking there came with a lovely view toward Gibbston Valley. The lodge is secluded and beautiful. Trails start right at its foot, with lovely vineyard views in the valley, and you can bike or run all the way toward arrowtown and even Queenstown. I went for a trail run and only wished I’d had more time.

You come here for the views at night. Judge and Jury sits on 130 acres of farmland, with quiet, spacious country living. The cottage is clean and practical. Good restaurants around Lake Hayes, Gibbston, and Arrowtown are less than a 20-minute drive away.

It’s so perfect I almost don’t want to share it, since I want to come back without finding it booked out. The owners were easy to communicate with, and everything you need is supplied. The French Country furnishings suit a country girl’s needs, while the place is still close to everything and to spectacular Arrowtown. The location is lovely and quiet.

Being out of town suited us since we had a car. The house sits partway up a hill, and it’s a big place with a fireplace. The owners respond quickly to texts, the beds have heaters, and the kitchen is nice with most condiments provided. I’d have liked more portable heaters, though. There was only one in the house.