One of the things I enjoy most about making custom books is that no two projects are ever quite the same.
When Simon from Ghost Lodge in Granity got in touch about a visitors book for his boutique accommodation, he already had a clear vision. The lodge is full of beautiful native timbers, reclaimed materials and handcrafted details, so it made sense that the visitors book should reflect the same warmth and character.
Rather than choosing a standard cover material, Simon was keen on a high end leather book. After chatting on the phone and having a look at Simons website photos I suggested our gorgeous vegetable tanned full grain Italian leather. Looking at the lodge's rich timber interiors, our tan coloured leather felt like the perfect match.
Choosing the right leather
I've always loved vegetable tanned leather because it just gets better and better with age.
Unlike coated leathers that try to hide scratches and marks, full grain vegetable tanned leather develops a rich patina over time. Every mark, every touch and every year adds to its character.
That seemed fitting for a visitors book.
Just like Ghost Lodge, the book is there to collect stories. As hundreds of guests write their memories over the coming years, the leather will quietly tell its own story.
For the cover we chose a simple blind deboss of the Ghost Lodge name. Without gold or silver foil, the debossed detail becomes part of the leather itself. Subtle, timeless and perfectly suited to the natural materials throughout the lodge. We also added an extra line of text under the name with the words 'sign in' (added after we took these photos).
One of the leather test swatches used to perfect the blind deboss. Rather than throwing them away, Simon transformed them into luggage keyfobs for Ghost Lodge.
Designed to last for years
One thing Simon particularly liked was that the book didn't have to be replaced once it was full.
The book is post bound with solid brass screw posts, making it easy to remove the pages whenever they're filled. Instead of buying a completely new visitors book, Simon can simply order a new set of pages and continue using the same handcrafted leather cover. The brass posts can be unscrewed in a couple of minutes, making it easy to archive completed pages and fit a new set.
I love this approach because it feels much more sustainable than replacing an entire book every time it's full. A beautifully made leather cover should last for many years, while the memories inside continue to grow.
The little details
Before I stamp a logo into any finished leather cover, I always do a few test impressions on offcuts from the leather to test the settings on our press and make sure the type spacing looks correct. This is a bit like measure twice cut once for woodworkers!
It lets me check the temperature, pressure and depth of the embossing before pressing the final cover. It's one of those small steps that most people never see, but it helps ensure the finished book is exactly right.
I tucked those little leather test pieces into Simon's parcel.
A few days later he got in touch to tell me he'd punched holes in them and turned them into keyfobs for the lodge.
I thought that was such a brilliant idea.
Rather than ending up in the recycling bin, those little offcuts have become something practical that guests will use every day.
Simon also added his own practical touch by fitting a leather pen strap to the back of the visitors book. The reception pen now stays attached to the book, making it easy for guests to sign and much less likely to wander off.
It's those little personal additions that make custom projects so enjoyable.
Seeing it in its new home
One of my favourite emails arrived a few days after the book had been delivered.
Simon sent me a photo of the visitors book sitting on the reception desk at Ghost Lodge.
The warm tan leather looked completely at home against the timber furniture, exactly as I'd imagined when I suggested the leather colour.
Moments like that are one of the reasons I love making bespoke books.
The finished visitors book in its new home in Ghost Lodge's reception, where it'll collect guests' memories for years to come.
Built for the stories still to come
Visitors books often become some of the most treasured items in a business.
Long after guests have checked out, their handwritten messages remain stories of holidays, anniversaries, family gatherings and adventures on New Zealand's West Coast.
Knowing this leather book will quietly collect those memories for years to come makes this project feel particularly special.
And when the final page is eventually filled, its story won't be over.
It will simply be time for the next set of pages.
Thinking of visiting the West Coast?
If you're planning a trip to the West Coast, Ghost Lodge is well worth a look. Located in Granity, around 20 minutes north of Westport, it's the kind of place where you can slow down, relax and enjoy the rugged coastline.
The lodge has private beach access, hot tub overlooking the ocean, a sauna, comfortable rooms and welcomes well-behaved dogs too, making it a great option if you like travelling with your four-legged companion. Whether you're exploring the Old Ghost Road, discovering the local history, or simply looking for somewhere peaceful to unwind, it's a special place to stay.
If you'd like to find out more or book a stay, visit Ghost Lodge or give Simon a call on 021 267 5102.
Looking for a handcrafted visitors book?
If you are looking for a handcrafted leather visitors book, whether it's a boutique lodge, holiday home, vineyard, gallery or business, I'd love to help create a visitors book that's made to last and designed to become part of your story. Have a look at our visitors book collection or get in touch to chat about ideas.
Project Details:
Client: Ghost Lodge, Granity, New Zealand
Project: Custom Leather Visitors Book
Materials: Full grain Italian vegetable tanned leather, brass screw posts, custom printed guest pages on mowhawk superfine paper.
Finish: Blind debossed logo
Completed: 2026
