Robert and Philippa Murrell are the 5th generation of Murrells to run the house continuing a tradition set by Robert’s great grandfather, also called Robert Murrell, when he settled in Manapouri in 1889.
Robert and Philippa married at Grand View House in 1997 after meeting the previous year in Auckland. Robert grew up in Manapouri and went to school here and in Te Anau. After studying Chemistry and Psychology at Otago University in Dunedin he followed a varied career path. His first career as a bass guitarist led him to recording studios and live performances around the South Island but a career as a Rock Star was not to be so he moved to Auckland and into tourism.
His work over the last 13 years has involved driving buses, tour guiding, jet boat driving, ski shuttle driving and more recently having gained his commercial fixed wing licence - plane driving! He flew small scenic flights from Queenstown to Fiordland for four years and then studied for his helicopter licence which he achieved to a commercial level. He is now waiting for the ultimate Christmas present of all – his very own helicopter!
Philippa grew up in Scarborough in the North of England. She studied English Literature at Kingston University in Surrey as a mature student after working for 10 years in the West End of London in Corporate Marketing. She made her way to NZ to visit friends in 1995 and has never looked back. She worked for Kiwi Experience in Auckland which is where she met Robert. After their wedding they moved to Queenstown where they lived for 10 years before permanently moving to Manapouri in 2008.
Robert and Philippa have been running Grand View House since 2006 when they took over from Robert’s father Jack Murrell. They have 2 children. Zoe was born in 1999 and Will in 2002. They go to school in Te Anau and enjoy many activities including jazz dance, hip hop, guitar, netball, basketball, swimming and gymnastics. The whole family enjoys life in Manapouri and they look forward to meeting their guests from all around the world.
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Heritage
Early Maoris began to explore Fiordland from about 800 years ago. They were inventive, adventurous and resilient, as all who venture off the well-trod way must be! Remnants of the major southern Maori tribe Ngatimamoe, fled into remote parts of Fiordland in the late 18th century.
They were pursued by Ngaitahu tribesmen from the north, and in about 1780 two battles are said to have been fought in the far southwest of Fiordland. Manapouri (Maori for lake of the sorrowing heart) was used as a seasonal hunting and fishing base and is thought to have been a location for the processing of Pounamu (New Zealand Jade).
Grand View House was built in 1889 by young Bob Murrell to provide a guesthouse for visitors to Manapouri, Fiordland and the surrounding area. The house has continued to be operated as Fiordland bed and breakfast accommodation since this time by each generation of Murrells.
To continue the tradition Bob's great grandson Robert Murrell now operates Grand View House as a bed and breakfast accommodation who, together with his wife Philippa, will ensure guests enjoy a memorable stay. The house features many historic photographs and paintings showing previous generations of Murrells and locations of interest in the Fiordland region.
This Fiordland bed and breakfast accommodation combines this history with the comfort and convenience of today to provide a truly unique place to stay.
