Great Design Is A Feeling

...This Feeling

Great Design Is A Feeling...

This Feeling
The Whare (house)
2 bedroom fully off-grid
The architecturally designed ‘scandi’ house, 10 years old, lends itself to a retreat for those seeking deep peace and quiet.
Cladded in cedar with a native timber, Matai, floor, its the classic scent of the untreated Lawsonia ceiling which fills the house.
A wrap around verandah connects with the land, and the design allows for shade from the summer heat whilst the winter sun floods the living spaces.
With floor to ceiling glass on its north facing aspect, the property opens to stunning views. It consists of 2 bedrooms. One double with unparalleled mountain views from the bed, with the second comprising a double bed and set of bunks. The second room can also be utilised as a dedicated art space, or massage room.
Recycled kauri and rimu joinery, lawson cypress timber ceiling, rayburn log burner with wetback feeding central heating radiators, flush toilet, shower.
For your comfort we also provide an electric sit-stand desk, comfy reading chair, Wilson & Dorset shaggy beanbag, classic Pavoni lever espresso coffee machine, a wonderful collection of classic New Zealand books, and a collection of books related to the craft of writing.

Simple, Serious, Sacred, Serenity Mountain Magic
  • Elegant, functional and airy
    The designer didn’t miss a beat on this project. Given a brief to design a small home that sits in the landscape akin to a DOC hut*, the dwelling perches on a terrace above the valley floor taking in the stunning vista of the Kahurangi mountains.
    The house was built for the simple purpose of giving refuge to those who came to care for the land and forest.
    *DOC (Department of Conservation) huts are dotted throughout New Zealand’s wilderness providing shelter for adventurers. They all have their own character and many are located in breathtaking landscapes.    
  • Attention to detail
    We showcase some beautiful New Zealand art including Ruru by Sofia Minson, and pieces by Kathryn Furniss, Kitiish Penketh, Sally Austin, Dean Raybould and Ana Aceves. A collection of mugs made by local ceramacists including Sue Dasler and Owen Bartlett. Lightshades by David Trubridge.
    We couldn’t help ourselves so you also get to enjoy a Wilson & Dorset shaggy sheepskin wool beanbag and footstool. Handcrafted in Wanaka and unbelievably lush! This is where you get to really kick back with a good book, snuggle in and know that you are in just the right/write place. Oh and no, you can’t take it home with you. It won’t fit in the car.
    Our bathroom offers locally made body products from Jeymar, and on arrival you will sample some local foodie fare.
‘Come and be with this mountain – she has things to tell you...'
Chambers passages and underground rivers.
Pristine native forests and waterways draining the cave systems.
There's something that happens here – the energy of this place is enlivening, pure, so if you are looking for a place to write in serious serenity - no interruptions here!
Bookings are now open for 2026 and 2027.
BOOK NOW
If you need to get away from it all,
see nothing but wilderness,
hear nothing but birdsong, river and wind
this is your place...

Photo credit all images by: Colleen Tunnicliff - Inlight