Shepherd's Hideaway: a breath of fresh air

Getting out of the office and into a different environment can take away distractions, stimulate new ideas and help bring a team together. Just 15 minutes from Martinborough, Shepherd’s Hideaway is a brand-new venue that feels away from it all but offers everything you need for a productive meeting or training workshop.

Nestled in the Ruakōkoputuna Valley, Shepherd’s Hideaway does feel like leaving the world behind. A drive through the valley takes you up into Frank and Debbie Aldridge’s farm. From here, you overlook the valley, surrounded by magnificent views and peaceful farmland; all you can hear is birdsong.

Inside, the light, airy bouse has been set up for meetings, with a long boardroom table, a large screen at one end of the living space; and a break-out area beside the kitchen at the other. All the facilities – including excellent wifi reception – are here. The difference between this and an urban meeting place is the connection with the outdoors. Huge windows frame a rural view; doors open onto a wide deck where guests can step outside and enjoy being surrounded by nature.

A bonus for teams is that Shepherd’s Hideaway can be booked with the option of Frank as facilitator or trainer. Photo: Lucia Zanmonti.

A highly skilled facilitator, negotiator and trainer, through the Aldridges’ company, The Integral Group, Frank has worked with businesses, councils and organisations around the country.  He spotted the need for a venue that would take teams out of their usual work environment to inspire fresh thinking and better strategic planning.

Launched just last year, Shepherd’s Hideaway has already become a favoured meeting spot. “We have had people arrive here, looking very tense, and after a while, they just relax. It is like a weight has lifted from their shoulders,” says Debbie.

“Technology and Covid have changed how people work. While it’s great to get out of the office, it is also great to be face-to -face … sometimes you just need to be in the same room to make things work,” says Frank. 

The couple have built an off-grid hut in a sheltered corner, about 1 km from the house.  “When they need a break, we tell people to walk to the hut, have a seat, and make a cup of tea there. There is a theory that you think differently when you are on the move. The objective is to have fun but also get results,” says Frank.

For a team building exercise, they can organise clay pigeon shooting but have found urbanites most enjoy getting involved on the farm. “We have had them rounding up sheep and helping with drenching. Sometimes, it’s the most junior person who will take the lead – and that’s a good thing.”

And there are plenty of other activities nearby, the Patuna Chasm Walk is just up the road, and Martinborough with bike tours, golf, wine tours and a range of accommodation is a 15-minute drive away.

Depending on what is required, catering is organised through local businesses, Kitchener’s and Neighbourhood Café.

But the house is not only a venue for businesses. “There are barbecue facilities, and I could imagine an extended family getting together here for the day, or a craft group or cooking demonstration,” says Debbie.

And when the house is not being used for meetings or training purposes, it can be enjoyed as a spacious and comfortable Airbnb*.

Built as a quality transportable home by Presidential Homes, plans for the two-bedroom home were adapted for flexible use. A wall was removed from the second bedroom to create an exceptionally spacious one-bedroom house with a large living space.

For more info and to book
Shepherd’s Hideaway is a purpose-built workshop and training venue designed for small to medium workshops of up to 20 people.

*When not in use as a venue, is also bookable as a spacious, very comfortable one-bedroom farmstay on Airbnb.

For more details and to book the venue for workshops and training, visit here
For Airbnb enquiries for Shepherd’s Hideaway, visit here