Blake House
Exclusively Yours.
Nestled peacefully away from the stresses of the outside world, Blake House is a well-appointed private villa that sits high on a promontory overlooking the Taharua River.
The central living space includes two expansive lounges with soaring cathedral ceilings and huge open fireplaces, a well-equipped kitchen, dining space, plus a cozy library and den. Four spacious master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and additional two bunkrooms make it perfect for groups of 4 to 16 guests.
This spacious residence offers guests the option to enjoy full-service accommodations, where Poronui will take care of all their needs, including the services of a private chef, butler, and daily housekeeping.
Blake House is a popular choice for boutique weddings, product launches and other special events. Non-residents are welcome by prior arrangement – event fees will apply.
A Blake House Stay
In the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Blake House pairs a secluded private playground with quietly exceptional luxury.
This exclusive-use villa sits on an elevated plateau overlooking the Taharua River, offering a tranquil retreat for family and friends to gather, unwind and explore.
So what does a day at Blake House actually look like? From slow mornings on the deck to afternoons spent fishing, riding or simply soaking in the surrounding wilderness, here is what to expect from a stay.
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Amenities
- Private Chef
- Four private rooms
- Ensuite Bathrooms
- Private Deck
- King Size Bed
- House Beverages
- All Meals
- Service Team
- Personal Laundry
- Complete Seclusion
- Private Heli-Pad
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Experience The Stables
Blake House guests have access to the Stables Complex including Snooker Room with a full-sized antique English billiard table and two distinguished dining locations. Also located in this complex is the gym, sauna and massage treatment rooms.
Experiences
Our exclusive playground is at your doorstep, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor activities.
Set across 16,000 acres of rolling hill country and native bush, Poronui invites guests to explore at their own pace.
From guided hikes through untouched backcountry to mountain biking along farm tracks and river trails, each experience reveals a different perspective of the land. Horse trekking, clay bird shooting, archery and relaxed pursuits around the lodge offer moments of both adventure and stillness, all set against a landscape that feels vast, remote and quietly unforgettable.
Private Chef Services
At Blake House, dining is entirely your own.
A private chef prepares every meal on-property, shaped around your tastes, your pace, and your party. From relaxed breakfasts to considered evening menus, each dish reflects the produce and spirit of the surrounding wilderness. Sixteen thousand acres. One private villa. Exclusively yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many people can stay at Blake House?Blake House accommodates between 4 and 16 guests. The villa has four master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, each rated for exclusive use, plus two additional bunkrooms for children or extra guests. Rates include the four main rooms for up to 8 guests, with bunkrooms available at extra cost.
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Is Blake House exclusive-use or shared?Blake House is a fully exclusive-use private villa, not a shared lodge experience. When you book Blake House, the entire residence, including both lounges, the kitchen, dining space, library and den, is reserved for your group alone. Non-residents may attend for events by prior arrangement, with event fees applying.
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Does Blake House include a private chef?Yes. Blake House offers full-service accommodation with a private chef who prepares every meal on-property, shaped around your group's tastes and pace. A self-catered rate is also available for groups who prefer to prepare their own meals. Daily housekeeping is included with the full-service option.
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Can you host a wedding at Blake House?Blake House is a popular boutique wedding venue, set on a promontory with sweeping views over the Taharua River. Couples can host the ceremony and reception inside the villa or opt for a marquee on the lawn.
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How do you get to Blake House, and how far is it from Taupo?Blake House sits in the secluded Taharua Valley, in the Central Plateau region between Taupo and Napier, making it a convenient midpoint for guests travelling from across New Zealand. Guests can arrive by car, private plane or helicopter, with pick-up transfers available from Taupo, Napier or Rotorua airports. It is only a 30 minutes drive from Taupo Airport.
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What's the difference between Blake House and Poronui Lodge?Blake House is a fully exclusive-use private villa for 4 to 16 guests, best suited to a single group wanting the whole property to themselves. Poronui Lodge offers 8 individual guest cabins around a shared main lodge, suited to groups who enjoy a communal lodge atmosphere with other guests. Both sit within Poronui's 16,000-acre estate and share access to fly fishing, hunting and outdoor experiences - Guests staying at Blake House have no interaction with anyone staying at the lodge, or vice versa.
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Is Blake House suitable for a family reunion or a gathering of friends?Blake House is one of New Zealand's few private villas built for multigenerational groups, with four matching master bedrooms and two bunkrooms designed for children. Families and groups of friends gathering at Blake House have the run of the entire villa, plus access to Poronui's 16,000 acres for fishing, riding, hiking and mountain biking together.
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Can Blake House host a corporate retreat or leadership offsite?Yes. Blake House's central North Island location, roughly equidistant from Taupo, Napier and Rotorua, makes it a practical midpoint for teams travelling from across New Zealand, and its exclusive-use villa format suits leadership retreats, incentive trips and strategy offsites that call for privacy. Full-service catering and dedicated staff mean the group can focus entirely on the work.