There are few places in Central Otago that retain their historical character as much as St Bathans does, with its restored stone and earth-brick buildings, the silent lake and strange columns of clay left by the sluicings. There are about 20 buildings in the town and only a few residents.

The accommodation is in the original police cottage and the small jail behind it, on an elevated site overlooking the lake. My stay here was memorable. The days were warm and bright, the nights cool and quiet. I lit the fire in the lounge, cooked up an easy meal in the well-equipped kitchen, soaked in the deep bath and slept soundly in a comfortable bed that smelt of lavender. Although the characteristics of a 19th-century dwelling have been kept in the cottage, it is not at the expense of modern amenities such as television, video and CD player. Continental breakfast ingredients were left for me to prepare myself, or I could have visited the Vulcan Hotel, a short walk away, for cooked breakfasts and dinners.

Guests can also spend a romantic night in the small, self-contained jail - there is even the original ball and chain there.

The Rail Trail is nearby for biking enthusiasts. This really is one very special historic cottage and your stay here will have you dreaming of the romance of yesteryear.