More than accommodation…

experience architecture, gROWTH, and sIMPLE living

Hidden behind a century-old church in the hills of Dunedin, The Kingsbury Glasshouse is a re-imagined Sunday School hall transformed into a one-of-a-kind home and guesthouse.

This boutique, loft style, guesthouse has been designed as a retreat and a welcoming sanctuary. The space invites guests to slow down, gather, cook, rest, and experience life surrounded by natural light, thriving greenery, and thoughtful design.

Book with AirBNB

…or book direct and save $$$

Book Direct

Wake to filtered light and the feeling of being surrounded by nature.
Watch the weather roll across the glasshouse roof with a book in one hand and a coffee in the other.... or maybe fireside with a soft music and a glass of wine.

Every part of the guesthouse experience invites you to linger a little longer.

A warm and welcoming place to land after adventure and exploration

The Accommodation

The Guesthouse is an experience designed for one or two guests, tucked within one of Dunedin’s most distinctive and award winning architectural homes.

Blending contemporary comfort within the historic fabric, lush indoor plants, the Guest Studio features a mezzanine bedroom, kitchen, dining area, living space, and stunning bathroom — all connected through the warmth and atmosphere of the adjacent glasshouse.

Created as a luxury retreat and unique Dunedin stay, The guest studio offers a slower, more intentional experience of accommodation. Morning light filters through the canopy overhead while gardens and seasonal greenery become part of everyday living.

Located just minutes from central Dunedin, this award-winning architectural stay provides the perfect base for romantic weekends, creative escapes, special occasions, and those seeking something beyond a traditional hotel or Airbnb experience.

Guests enjoy private access, self check-in, off-street parking, and the rare opportunity to stay within a truly one-of-a-kind glasshouse environment.

Let me show you around…

Living DINING

Your arrival space - a warm and welcoming sanctuary looking over the stunning glasshouse and flooded with delicious natural light

The kitchen

Complete with gas cook-top, oven, microwave and mini fridge/freezer with cupboards full of pots, pans, plates, utensils and vintage glassware. All the inspiration you need to raid the vege garden and cook up a holiday treat. Tea and coffee are supplied along with a stash of tasty treats for you to enjoy.

The nest (Bedroom)

The ‘nest’ is located on the mezzanine level, under the gentle hug of the curved ceiling. This elevated sleeping platform overlooks the glasshouse with harbour and ocean glimpses. You’ll have a perfect night’s rest under the stars and may even see the stunning Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)

The bathroom

More vintage mirrors lead you into this space that has been thoughtfully designed to exceed expectations. Lot’s a spare fluffy towels , a giant shower with unrivalled water pressure and showcasing the original hand-basin - salvaged during the demolition phase. You’ll find everything you need including a hairdryer and a fully stocked bathroom cabinet

The GLASSHOUSE

Enjoy the sunlight, or watch the autumn leaves dance across the glass ceiling , or be mesmerised by the raindrops, or stretch out under the stars - make this your own unique experience. Different every time you visit but always magical

Book Direct
Book with AirBNB

  • "A sublime stay at the Kingsbury Glasshouse - Tessa’s beautiful home was a joy to relax at. An inviting, peaceful spot, perfect for exploring Dunedin, a short drive to beaches and good food. The Glasshouse was well appointed with thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and honey from the resident bees (sleeping for the winter). The wood fire was set and ready to go, keeping us cosy. Tessa was a fantastic host - great communication throughout, excellent recommendations for activities and food, happy to chat but also really mindful of giving us privacy. We look forward to visiting again.

    Jenny - Auckland, New Zealand - May 2026

  • "Tessa is a great host, very friendly and accommodating. Tessa's home is unique, very cosy and warm. Loved the sound of the Tui singing in the tree in the morning. We travelled from Brisbane, Australia to Queenstown on holiday but drove especially to Dunedin to stay one night at Tessa's place, it was well worth it. We would definitely recommend staying at Tessa's home. Thank you Tessa for a great stay.."

    John & Susan - Brisbane, Australia - May 2026

  • "Tessa is a wonderful host and welcomed us warmly into her innovative glasshouse accomodation. Every detail considered and fire lit. It is easy to see why this Airbnb is award winning.."

    Monique - Auckland, New Zealand - May 2026

  • "We could not have enjoyed our time more in Tessa’s beautiful little oasis! The house was perfect for two of us, welcoming, bright, warm and exactly as we had hoped it would be. Tessa was so welcoming and helpful too, and gave us lots of good advice about things to do. We loved staying in the house and would definitely stay here again in a heartbeat. We were so sad to leave!!."

    Aisling - West Footscray, Australia - April 2026

  • "We loved our 3 nights here. The location is great, Tessa is a fabulous host and the building is incredible. If you're interested in ground breaking architecture, particularly the re using of an older building, you have to check this out! Even if you have little interest (you may think) in architecture, it is still a great place for a Dunedin stay."

    Jim - Little Hartley, Australia - April 2026

  • "Fantastic property, inspirational story behinds its beginnings and our host Tessa is next level. Can thoroughly recommend this property.""

    Martin & Connie - Eltham North, Australia - March 2026

  • "Loved everything possible at Tessa’s gorgeous glasshouse. All the little details and amenities make you feel welcome and at home. The host Tessa is the reason you feel like this - an architect of this space and how it makes you feel. Superb choice … that you are about to make. We stayed an extra night it was that good."

    Rae & Jeremy - Auckland, New Zealand - March 2026

  • "Tessa's 'Dream House' is amazing, as you can see, it's an attraction in itself, I probably took a hundred photos here! Even better, Tessa herself, who is not only the host but also the designer of this house, is very friendly, attentive, and teaches us how to use the fireplace. Tessa has a Visitor Book, where she writes a welcome message for each visitor, and visitors leave their own blessings here, all of which are wonderful stories. I would recommend this glass house to every friend who comes to Dunedin" (Translated from Chinese)

    David - China - February 2026

  • ""A living masterpiece with a heart of gold." Staying at Tessa’s 'Glasshouse' was a profound experience. After watching the TV documentary about this historic Sunday school’s transformation, being here in person felt like a rare privilege. Tessa is an extraordinary host. She personally lit the fireplace for us, making the space incredibly cozy, and took the time to explain every detail of the house's amenities. We were also touched by her homemade honey, which was absolutely delicious. It’s rare to find a home that balances high-end architectural design with such genuine, warm hospitality. My parents and I are deeply moved by the soul of this house and Tessa’s kindness. Highly recommended!"

    Xingtong - China - February 2026

  • "We had a lovely stay at Tessa's. She was a fantastic host and her rental is beautiful. We highly recommend and would stay again."

    Pat & Lubos - Canada - February 2026

  • "Staying at Tessa’s was amazing. The love, creativity and vision that was put into the property could be felt from the moment you come up the drive. Tessa was so friendly and the perfect host. Fantastic local recommendations and the fire was so cosy and warm! Staying at the Glasshouse is an experience in itself. Would 10/10 stay again"

    Issy & Lachie - Cairns, Australia - July 2026

  • "I wish I could give this place 10 stars. We were already excited to come here because of the beautiful pictures - the coziness of the guest house combined with the greenhouse was hard to pass up. However the most pleasantly surprising part of our stay was how lovely the host, Tessa, was!! Tessa greeted us with a warm welcome, a book full of recommendations, and was super kind throughout our stay. I honestly can’t say enough about how amazing both Tessa and the guesthouse are. Wish we could stay here forever!"

    Inna - Ithaca, New York - March 2026

  • "Tessa的“梦想之屋”太棒了，如图所见，这本身就是一个景点，我在这里可能拍了一百张照片！更棒的是Tessa本人，她不仅是房东，更是这座房子的设计者，她非常友善，细心，教我们使用壁炉。Tessa有一个Visitor Book，她会亲手写下每个访客得欢迎语，访客们也都会在这里留下自己的祝福，都是一段段美好的故事。我会推荐每一个来达尼丁的朋友入住这个玻璃屋～"

    David - China - February 2026

  • "What a wonderful little gem. Architecturally superb - super cosy and well designed. Lovely linen and towels. Tessa was a wonderful, caring host. Good old Dunedin gave us both hot and cold days while we were there and we were comfortable in any weather. Highly recommend."

    Shelley - Auckland, New Zealand - February 2026

  • "An absolute dream staying in this beautiful, award winning, glass house. It was a bit chilly, but the fireplace did wonders to warm it right up. Very comfortable and the kitchen was fitted out with everything we needed. It felt like home, and I didn't want to leave. The host was so friendly, and even left us delicious strawberries from her garden, as well as an assortment of goodies in the fridge and pantry cupboard. The homemade jam was 🤌 I do hope we get to stay there again someday."

    Dianne - Georgia, USA - February 2026

  • "Hosts like Tessa are what Airbnb are all about! We loved our stay here. Gorgeous architecture, comfortable beds, quiet and safe, close enough to town but far enough to have that local feel, and a warm and welcoming host! We really enjoyed slowing down in the glass house garden after several busy travel days. Tessa has clearly put thought into every detail and it makes this stay extra special. If you find this home available do not miss this amazing spot. We would absolutely stay again."

    Torrey - Kapa’a, Hawaii - January 2026

  • "Words can’t describe how magical this Airbnb is! Tessa is the friendliest and kindest host - with lots of subtle touches to make your stay feel that extra magical. The glass house was spotlessly clean, with outstanding amenities - I particularly loved having a fire place and cosy sitting-area to relax after a day of exploring. The bathroom is spacious (best shower pressure of my life) and has a hair dryer. The garden is just stunning - and makes the place feel private enough. You can tell how much love and thought has gone into this place and Tessa has created a perfect Airbnb experience. Five stars and more ⭐️"

    Emily Rose - Tweed Heads, Australia - December 2025

  • "Well no words to describe this place except to say this is the best place we've stayed in all the years we have been travelling with Airbnb. Tessa was a joy, such a gracious, funny and kind host. her studio in this grand designs home is absolutely stunning, spent hours sitting in the glasshouse each day rain or shine, a truly tranquil relaxing space. the studio had everything you needed and an incredible host always ready to help. comfortable mattress, great kitchen, big shower, warm house with incredible views and great design and furniture."

    Ranveer - England, United Kingdom - December 2025