ESCAPE TO NELSON
Sustainable living in a picturesque setting was the aspiration of the owners of this stunning property and having spent a large portion of their lives working in large cities around the world, they had already earmarked New Zealand as a wonderful place to retire.
"We fell in love with the Nelson region and, although we hadn't initially planned on building, we liked the peace and tranquillity of the Waimea Estuary", they explain. "It offered a rural lifestyle, but with easy access to Nelson and the local restaurants and boutique shops in Mapua Village. The idea was to create a free flowing home in a traditional, timeless style with a modern influence."
The end result can only be described as a resounding success, with the home's build quality, sustainable features and interior design recognised in the 2014 Master Builders House of the Year Awards not only as the Lifestyle Winner in both general and sustainable categories, but also the recipient of a Gold Award for design. The approach to the property is instantly captivating, thanks to its entrance via a private road between orchards and vineyards.
The expansive lawns roll away from the house so there is a continuous feeling of space, enabling you to fully appreciate the views of the estuary and the neighbouring vineyard and mountain ranges to the west. Special features include solar panels and central heating, which provide significant energy savings, a full height local limestone framed gas fireplace, American Oak floors, Douglas-fir beams and a bespoke kitchen complete with butler's pantry.
While the entire house has been built to an exceptional standard, it is the north-west facing deck that the owners identify as their favourite spot. "Having a morning coffee on the deck in the warm winter sunshine with a view of a snow-covered Mt Arthur is something we will never forget." However all good things must come to an end and the time has come for them to pass on the keys to this Tasman Bay jewel.