US
ABOUT
From THE BEGINNING - Hill House CafE
In 2021, Peter and Ricardo opened Hill House Café, a tiny spot tucked inside Nathan Homestead in Manurewa — just 20 seats, a small kitchen, and a whole lot of heart. From day one, people doubted it would work. The location was tucked away, the timing was uncertain, and then, just five days after opening, New Zealand was plunged into its longest lockdown.
But instead of closing the doors, Peter (with zero web design experience) built a website overnight. The team began baking fresh each morning, loading cars with boxes of cinnamon buns, scones, and cakes, and hand-delivering them to the community. Locals came for walks, waved through the café windows, and picked up boxes at the door. Hill House quickly became more than a café — it was a small spark of connection and comfort in a time when people needed it most.
GROWING THROUGH CHALLENGES
Fast forward to 2024, Hill House had grown into a bustling hub welcoming thousands every weekend. Then came the blow: a letter from Auckland Council informed us Nathan Homestead would close for earthquake strengthening. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under us.
But then came a lifeline: Jan and Anita from The Arts House Trust offered us a new home at the beautiful Pah Homestead. In April 2024, Hill House moved into its new space — bigger, bolder, and busier than ever.
A FARM, A VILLA, A VISION
Not long after, an unexpected opportunity came knocking. A tractor ride around a 140-acre farm in Clevedon changed everything. The land, the heritage villa, the animals, the fruit trees — it felt instantly like home. By November 2024, Farm House Café opened its doors.
Now set on a working farm with bees, buffalo, chickens, and orchards, Farm House Café is a celebration of everything we’ve learned along the way: community, resilience, and the magic of sharing food. We grow what we can, source locally, and stay grounded in sustainability and heart.
TODAY AND TOMORROW
Today, Farm House Café is so much more than just a place to eat — it’s a living, breathing part of the Clevedon community. Step through the doors in the morning and you’ll be greeted by the warm waft of baking—fresh scones, cakes, and of course, our iconic Sin in a Buns, coming out of the oven just as the first coffees are being poured. It’s a scent that wraps around you, promising comfort and flavour before you’ve even taken your first bite.
Our team is young, vibrant, and full of energy — eager faces who greet you with genuine smiles and make you feel like family. They are the heartbeat of the café, growing with us as we grow, learning, laughing, and sharing their spark with every customer who walks through our doors. Set in the heart of Clevedon, Farm House is surrounded by the beauty of a working farm. From sheep, cows, and chickens to our beloved llamas, Miguel and Pedro, and even the water buffalo, there’s always a sense of life and wonder just beyond the café veranda. Dogs are always welcome — with a dedicated walking track that loops around the farm, or a gentle garden stroll where manicured beds supplying the produce we bring straight into our kitchen. Fresh, local, and seasonal — that’s our motto, and every plate is packed with flavour, textures, and good vibes.
You’ll often see the owners — Peter, Leilana, and Mike — buzzing about the café, especially on weekends when the place is alive with chatter and energy. They’re not hidden away in offices; they’re on the floor, shoulder-to-shoulder with the team, making sure everything feels just right.
Farm House is also a space for celebration. From weddings and birthday parties to baby showers, private functions, and community events, our café transforms into the perfect setting for any gathering. Kids can roam free on the farm, laugh and play on the digger playground, or join in on the lawn games we bring out in summer while the adults enjoy artisanal gelato, cold drinks, and long afternoons in the sun.
Looking ahead, our story continues to be one of connection and community. Just like the early days of Hill House, we believe the magic of a café isn’t only in the food (though we make that from scratch, every time) — it’s in the people.
Farm House Café is here to keep creating memories, to grow alongside our community, and to welcome everyone to our table.
