SiloStay Little River - an Innovative Escape Just Outside of Christchurch
A sleepy town nestled between the hills of the Banks Pensilua, Little River is a familiar stop off for those travelling from Christchurch to Akaroa.
It's an arty little community, with it's galleries, cafes, and boutique local makers stores. If you've ever stopped by or driven through, you'll have found it hard to miss the chrome spaceship-like structures alongside the main (and only) road through the town. These converted grain silos are actually innovative and surprisingly spacious holiday apartments. Meet SiloStay.
Inside, these structures are a marvel in space efficiency and design. No inch of space is wasted, but nor does any part of the apartment feel cramped. You'll find everything you need and more in the open plan living space, and your eye will be ever drawn to the sweeping spiral staircase.
These silos aren't just a pretty face. The care and consideration applied to the design also includes a mindful approach to energy usage and waste disposal, utilising a number of EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) approved innovations. Pellet boiler systems, which make use of a waste by-product of New Zealand's forest industry, heat the apartments and provide potable (drinking) hot water. Responsibly sourced sheep wool provide insulation, and long life LEDs provide light. Even waste water is put to good use, nourishing the tiger worms who break it down and harnessing the energy it produces via an onsite "BioPod".
Everything has been thought of at SiloStay. There's even a little window hatch in the roof, ideal for star gazing while you're tucked up warm in bed.
I adored this little escape from the bustle of city life. You could easily spend a lazy weekend around SiloStay and Little River, or use it as a base for further adventures in Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.
