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Our Story - Tresco Apartments, Blenheim

Tresco Apartments is boutique, self-contained accommodation in Blenheim, Marlborough, set within a beautifully restored 1927 Californian bungalow. Thoughtfully designed to offer quiet luxury with space and comfort, each apartment provides a private, relaxed stay just minutes from Blenheim town center. More than just accommodation in Blenheim, Tresco is a home with a story that spans generations..

Watercolor painting of a yellow, single-story house with a front porch, surrounded by trees and a yard, on a partly cloudy day.

Marlborough Home with History

Located at 32 Eltham Road in Blenheim, the property centers around a classic Californian bungalow , one of New Zealand’s most recognisable architectural styles of the early 20th century. Built in 1927, the house has evolved alongside Blenheim itself. What began as a modest family home has gradually expanded over the decades, with a 1960s rear extension and an 1980s upper level addition. Over time, it became a sprawling, spacious eight-bedroom home, reflecting nearly a century of Marlborough living.

From Family Home to Blenheim Accommodation

In the early 2000s, the house entered a new chapter when my parents opened one of Blenheim’s early bed and breakfast stays. Guests experienced warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and the relaxed lifestyle Marlborough is known for.

Breakfast quickly became a highlight — homemade preserves from fruit grown in the garden, and fresh pancakes cooked each morning.

That original spirit of welcoming travelers continues to shape the experience at Tresco Apartments today.

A person standing on a yellow scaffolding in a hallway, using a tool to work on the ceiling.
Room under construction with pink insulation on the ceiling and walls, a window letting in natural light, a ladder, a wheelbarrow, and exposed wooden framing.

A Thoughtful Renovation

The traditional B&B of yesterday has evolved, with many visitors now seeking self-contained accommodation, valuing privacy, space, and flexibility, while still wanting somewhere with character. Tresco Apartments was created to meet that need.

The original home has been carefully transformed into three private apartments, each designed to balance modern comfort with the charm of the existing property. The focus has been on creating spaces that feel easy to stay in, practical, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming.

This has been a hands-on family project. Much of the renovation work has been carried out by my husband and myself, with our sons now helping shape the future of Tresco Apartments.

Today — Tresco Apartments

Today, Tresco offers three unique, self-contained apartments in Blenheim, each reflecting a different stage in the home’s evolution.

Apartment One retains much of the original 1927 bungalow character, offering guests a sense of heritage alongside a carefully considered modern renovation.

Apartment Two reflects the mid-century style of the 1960s extension, combining timeless design with modern amenities to create a relaxed and comfortable space.

Apartment Three has been fully reimagined from its 1980s faux wood paneled origins, into a bright, light and modern apartment with its own private entrance.

Together, the apartments provide spacious, private accommodation in Blenheim, ideal for couples, families, and longer stays in Marlborough.

Your Stay at Tresco Apartments

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a work trip, or a longer stay in Marlborough, Tresco Apartments offers a calm, comfortable base close to Blenheim’s town centre, wineries, and local attractions.

We look forward to welcoming you to Tresco Apartments in Blenheim.

— Gillian McLeod, your host

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Blueprints of a two-story house showing front and side elevations with detailed architectural drawings.
Blueprint of a house floor plan featuring rooms labeled Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom, and Porch, with measurements and entry points.

The Heritage of the NZ Bungalow

Bungalows became the most popular style of home in New Zealand from around World War I, replacing the grand villas of the late 1800s. Inspired by Californian designs but quickly adapted to local tastes and materials, the New Zealand bungalow developed its own distinctive character by the 1920s.

The history behind Tresco Apartments

Located at 32 Eltham Road in Blenheim, Marlborough the property centers around a beautiful 1927 Californian bungalow, a style of home that became one of New Zealand’s most recognizable architectural designs during the early 20th century. With their low-pitched roofs, wide eaves and welcoming verandas, these homes were designed to create a relaxed and practical way of living. Today, this classic Marlborough bungalow continues to evolve while retaining its heritage charm.

The latest reviews from our Guests

  • Blue road sign with the number 10 in white.

    Clean, quiet, cosy and central


    We loved everything! So spacious yet cosy. Had so many amenities that weren’t expected (hair dryer, bikes, and fruit trees) all of great quality. How was clean and loved the two bathrooms and access to laundry.

    - Olivia, NZ

    17 March 26

  • Tresco_apartments review

    A perfect place to stay for 2-4 people. Great house in a quiet neighborhood. Great value.


    It is a modest description to call Tresco an apartment. It was the size of a small home, with a large kitchen, dining room, and living room area. The king bed in the master bedroom was very comfortable. There is a second bedroom with two twin beds. There are two bathrooms, both clean and spacious. The home is located in a residential neighborhood, so it was quiet. There is a good-sized backyard with a lawn and fruit trees. We used the two bicycles from the backyard shed, a great addition to the property. Given the combination of factors I listed above, this was the perfect place to stay.

    - Tim, US

    14 March 26

  • Blue shield-shaped badge with the number 10 in white.

    Enjoyed cooking, eating, relaxing after two weeks sightseeing around the South Island.


    Beautiful 1927 bungalow modernised with taste and attention to detail. Well equipped kitchen. Quiet neighbourhood.

    - Annette, NZ

    7 March 26

  • Number 10 printed on a blue shield-shaped background.

    Fully relaxed in a fab location !!


    Very clean comfortable accommodation (a bit big for the 2 of us) with a very nice outdoor area to the rear. Also included was the use of two bikes (which we didn’t use 😂). Milk was provided which was very useful, as was the washing machine and airer. Everything we needed in a fab location 🥳👍

    - Iain, UK

    5 March 26

  • Blue highway sign with the number 10 in white

    Fantastic spot, great apartment. Highly recommended and would stay again


    Fantastic. Great apartment. Everything was super easy and great comms from the host.

    - Eamon, NZ

    2 March 26

  • Blue background with the white number '9.0' in the center.

    Highly recommended, comfortable and spacious with a lovely garden.


    It was a clean and spacious property with an interesting history. We really appreciated the garden and quiet convenient location. It felt like we were staying in a home rather than an apartment. Very good value for money.

    - Margaret, UK

    28 Feb 26

  • Blue road sign with the number 10 in white

    Would stay again and would recommend


    Everything…it had everything we needed and more, lovely and clean, beautifully decorated, comfy beds, great shower

    -Neil, NZ

    23 Feb 26

  • Blue road sign with the number 10 in white.

    Make sure you book Tresco apartment for your stopover in Blenheim - overnight or longer you will have a most comfortable


    Gillian’s apartment (part of a house) was by far the best, most comfortable and spacious accommodation of our stay in New Zealand. We liked everything about it, the amenities, the quality furnishings and design, and the attention to detail.

    - Anne. NZ

    20 Feb 26

  • Blue road sign with the number 10 in white.

    Great place to stay in Blenheim, easy walk into town as well. Would fully recommend


    Had everything you could want, modern big and comfortable.

    - Bradley, UK

    31 Jan 26

  • Blue highway sign with the number 10 in white

    I cannot imagine you could do better than this stunning apartment.


    If you are visiting Blenheim, don't bother looking anywhere other than these apartments. Ours was stunning. The facilities far exceeded expectations, it was like staying in a five star hotel. Lovely bedrooms and two shower rooms. Laundry facilities and stocked kitchen (basics) were a bonus. Gorgeous garden with fruit trees. The booking and access were very easy with helpful tips from owner and she was on hand if we needed anything. A real bonus was the cycles which I used to get shopping in the town.

    - Christine, UK

    28 Jan 26

  • Blue shield-shaped road sign with the number 10 in white

    Comfortable and Excellent value for money


    Very nice and spacious. Light and comfortable. Great space . Bathrooms very good.

    - Philip, UK

    25 Jan 26