The Tiny Escape - Fordell, Whanganui
Finding Harmony in Simplicity: the beautiful Fordell Tiny Home / Farm Stay
In a fast-paced world where deadlines loom and responsibilities pile up, there’s a quiet revolution reshaping what it means to recharge and reconnect—holidays in tiny homes. These pint-sized retreats offer more than a cosy hideaway; they invite us to peel back life's complexities and rediscover the elegance of simplicity.
So, I decided with my Border Terrier ‘Gem’ to venture away from my tiny home in Hongoeka Bay, Plimmerton and spend a weekend at a place I suspected would provide the privacy and atmosphere I was looking for to get away from my usual routine and find inspiration for my writing skills and newfound love of sketching. So away I went…
Nestled on a serene deer and sheep farm at 763 No. 2 Line, Fordell, just south of Whanganui, lies a tiny home with an abundance of charm, beautifully built and located with million-dollar country views. This would be my home away from home for the next two nights.
Our hosts, Fraser and Julie have created a wonderful place to rest and recoup. Whether you are a single looking for a chilled-out holiday or a couple looking for a romantic getaway this tiny home ticks all the boxes.
The weather & getting there
I left Wellington during one of the worst southerly storms of the winter. It was freezing cold and knowing the temperature would be slightly warmer further up country I was keen to get on the move. The instructions were clear - use Google Maps not Apple maps. Google took me right to the front door and gaining entry was a breeze with the keys secured in a lock box on the front porch.
And, although it was wet and drizzly for much of my stay the Saturday afternoon was so mild Gem and I spent a couple of hours enjoying the scenery of the fabulous deck that oversees those wonderful views.
The Tiny Home ‘The Tiny Escape’
The tiny home itself is very small but very, very cute. Plenty of room inside to store my belongings which included a mountain of art materials for planned sketching sessions. The toilet is located outside off the side of the deck and there is plenty of room in this little room to store your excess baggage should you need it.
The cell reception was a little dodgy and there is no Wi-Fi, but this is not the sort of place to bring a load of technology with you anyways.
The Roaring Meg fireplace provides plenty of warmth once it is up and running and the hosts have ensured there is plenty of cut firewood to last the stay.
For me the bed was very comfortable, I am only 165cm tall and wondered if those over six foot might feel the same?
The camping (Gas) fridge provided all the storage I needed and there were cereals, coffee, tea and milk along with a special treat provided. This was a wonderful touch and clear instructions left by my hosts ensured I could get organised quickly relax on arrival.
During my stay, Gem and I had a number of impromptu visits from the deer on the farm. Although they moved off quickly when we went outside to greet them they stayed close enough for me to get a few good shots (photos) of them.
I hope you enjoy my photos (I certainly hope they show off how beautiful this place is).
Conclusion
The Fordell tiny home is more than a weekend getaway; it is a peaceful retreat set amid Whanganui’s rural beauty. It invites us to rethink space, productivity, and renewal, whether we are seeking clarity, rest, or inspiration. For me it ticked all those boxes.
So, if you are looking for a meditation space, place to write, draw or paint and find yourself I thoroughly recommend you pay this place a visit.
I imagine for couples looking for a restorative getaway or romantic retreat you also fall in love with this space.
