Hillsworth Homestead
A shared rural home in the Whangaehu Valley
Hillsworth Homestead is our owner-occupied rural lifestyle home in the Whangaehu Valley. We offer full-board accommodation for a small number of older adults who are able to live independently, but would prefer not to live alone.
This is a shared home — not a facility, and not a service.
About the Home
Hillsworth Homestead sits on a quiet lifestyle property with open views, gardens, and plenty of space. There is a wrap-around deck, established vegetable and flower gardens, and outdoor areas residents are welcome to enjoy at their own pace.
The environment is private, calm, and very rural. This is a working property, and there is a workshop on site with normal daytime activity, though the home itself is generally peaceful.
We have a friendly dog on the property and do not accommodate additional dogs or cats.
What We Provide
- Furnished private bedrooms
- Shared lounge, dining and kitchen
- Home-cooked meals
- Power, water and internet
- Normal household services
- Gardens and outdoor space (optional use)
- Storage by arrangement
Rooms are provided furnished. Residents are welcome to bring personal items and small pieces of furniture by agreement. Residents are responsible for insuring their own personal belongings.
Meals
Meals at Hillsworth Homestead are shared household meals.
Breakfast and lunch are generally self-serve from food provided in the kitchen, with residents helping themselves as they would in a normal home. Evening meals are home-cooked and shared together most days as a relaxed part of the household routine.
Meals are simple, home-style food rather than catered or restaurant-style service. We can usually accommodate straightforward preferences, but not specialised or medically managed diets.
The aim is to share meals as part of everyday home life, not to provide individual catering.
Daily Rhythm
Life at Hillsworth Homestead follows the natural pace of a shared home rather than a schedule.
Mornings are relaxed, with people coming and going at their own pace. Breakfast is self-serve and the house gradually comes to life as everyone starts their day.
Daytimes are generally quiet. Residents might read, spend time outdoors, garden, go out locally, or follow their own routines. This is an independent living environment, so people manage their own time and activities.
Lunch is informal and self-directed.
Evenings are the main shared time of day. A home-cooked meal is prepared and most days we sit down together for dinner — a chance for conversation and company. After dinner, the house settles into a quieter evening rhythm.
The aim is to offer the comfort of a shared home and routine, without supervision or structured programming.
Who This Home Suits
Hillsworth Homestead suits people who:
- Are able to live independently
- Do not require daily personal or medical care
- Enjoy quiet, rural living
- Value shared meals and company without supervision
It is intended as an alternative to living alone — not an alternative to a care facility.
What We Don’t Provide
Hillsworth Homestead is not a care home.
We do not provide:
- Personal care
- Medication management
- Nursing or medical services
- Ongoing monitoring or supervision
Residents remain responsible for their own health and arrange any external support they may need, just as they would if living independently elsewhere.
If someone would need a care facility if living alone, this home will not be suitable.
External Support
Residents may arrange their own medical care, home help, or personal support services. These services may attend the home in the same way they would if the resident lived independently elsewhere.
The presence of external services does not change the nature of this home or create any care obligations on the hosts.
Independence & Suitability
This home is designed for people living independently in a shared household.
If a resident’s needs change over time to the point where independent living in this environment is no longer suitable, we will have an honest conversation about next steps. If, in our reasonable opinion, the home is no longer the right environment, the arrangement may be ended with notice so that a more suitable option can be found.
This is to ensure changes are handled calmly rather than in a crisis.
Family & Communication
Residents may have one nominated family contact person. Family members are welcome to visit, but this arrangement is between the resident and the hosts.
Hillsworth Homestead is a shared home, not a care service. The hosts do not provide supervision, care coordination, or regular updates on residents’ health.
Moving In
Rooms are furnished, so there is no need to bring large furniture unless discussed in advance. Most people bring clothing, personal items, photographs, hobbies, and a few familiar belongings that make the room feel like their own.
The first few weeks are a settling period for everyone, allowing time to see whether the arrangement feels right. During this period, either party may decide the arrangement is not the right fit and end it with shorter notice so that changes can be made calmly.
Fees
Weekly fees reflect full-board accommodation in a private home and vary depending on room size and suitability.
Fees cover accommodation, meals, utilities, and normal household services. Fees are payable weekly in advance by bank transfer. This is a boarding arrangement and not a residential tenancy.
Residents are responsible for insuring their own personal belongings.
In Plain Terms
If someone could live safely in their own home but would rather not live alone, Hillsworth Homestead may be a good fit.
If someone would need a care facility if living alone, this home will not be suitable.
Hillsworth Homestead is a private, owner-occupied home offering boarding accommodation only.