This Te Arai residence is a showpiece of luxury design and a masterclass in meticulous construction and craftsmanship.
It was built as a tranquil country escape by the current owners, who sought to create a private slice of paradise for their family in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal regions.
The property savours a true sense of peace and tranquillity and is made up of 88 acres of rolling farmland and resplendent native bush. When concepting the vision for their 467sqm, north-facing home, the owners drew their inspiration from the sprawling lifestyle properties of Coatesville and the warm, lodge-style architecture of Queenstown.
“We wanted a home that felt substantial but welcoming. Something that made the most of the light and space, while staying connected to the land,” one of them shares.
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A palette of natural materials inside – oak, cedar and hand-laid Otago schist – creates a grounding, inviting ambience, while 3m ceilings in the main living area and walls of glass throughout enhance the sense of space and light.
The layout – in a series of sprawling, single-level wings – was designed with family living in mind and with the view that the couple’s three children could enjoy independence.
The imported Poggenpohl kitchen is the home’s social hub and is equipped with Gaggenau appliances, two dishwashers and Italian tapware. A seamless indoor/outdoor connection was another key element of the design, so all bedrooms and living areas open directly out to the expansive decks, sweeping lawns and landscaped gardens that envelop the residence.
As it was designed as their forever home, the owners spared no expense and were able to tick everything off their wish list – including a dedicated movie room, games lounge and a 9.5m heated freshwater pool with a natural stone firepit for easy entertaining.
“We wanted it to feel finished – a place where we included everything we had ever wanted and nothing was overlooked.”
A palette of natural materials inside – oak, cedar and hand-laid Otago schist – creates a grounding, inviting ambience. Photo / Supplied
The 467sqm, north-facing home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and multiple living areas. Photo / Supplied
This is also evident in the extraordinary attention to detail throughout.
“Every millimetre of that house is accounted for. I was present for every day for the build. We handpicked all the Otago schist and had a stonemason, who was well into his seventies, meticulously lay every single piece of stone. Every selection had a purpose, and we had no restraints on budget,” says the owner.
The wider landholding includes 25 well-fenced paddocks, a large barn, stockyards and dam-fed troughs, which offer options for a working or lifestyle farm. Pockets of native bush are a haven for birdlife and a vast natural playground for kids to explore.
While the property is significant, there are opportunities to lease grazing or have the wider land managed externally, which means future owners can simply enjoy the home and grounds, without the labour.
The wider landholding includes 25 well-fenced paddocks, a large barn, stockyards and dam-fed troughs, which offer options for a working or lifestyle farm. Photo / Supplied
“Every millimetre of that house is accounted for. Every selection had a purpose, and we had no restraints on budget,” says the owner. Photo / Supplied
Internationally acclaimed Te Arai Links and Tara Iti golf courses are just minutes away, with Te Arai, Mangawhai Heads and Forestry beaches all also close by. Mangawhai, Warkworth and Matakana are a short distance away and Auckland is still within a comfortable drive, making it easy for friends and family to visit.
As opportunities have recently arisen back in suburbia, the owners are reluctantly returning to the city.
“We are very proud of our home but it’s now time to hand that baton over to someone else to enjoy, because it has so much to offer.”
Barfoot & Thompson salesperson James Doole says this is a beautiful, contemporary home in a spectacular location. “It’s so tranquil and peaceful but you’re still so well connected to everything the region has to offer.”
169 Tomarata Valley Road in Te Arai, Rodney, is on the market for sale by negotiation.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
