A subtle present day interpretation of an early rural colonial homestead provides an enduring response for a family’s habitation in a beautiful rural setting.

The house is situated a short drive through the TukiTuki River Valley from the Havelock village in Hawke's Bay and its lush surrounding landscape.

Principal living spaces are orientated on an axis from arrival to realise distant river views and the sweeping magestic outlook to the surrounding rural valley and cloak of ranges, iconic Te Mata Peak.

The floor plan is orientated to allow living spaces to open to the north and west and is connected to exterior by broad verandah’s, and a covered room providing protection from the weather and Hawkes Bay summer heat.

Entry is via a sheltered formally landscaped courtyard which the various circulation functions of the house revolve around. Sliding gates opening off the courtyard provide a seasonal control to a sheltered exterior dining room, separate access to exterior and living, service rooms.

A selection of robust materials reinforce the classic language of the homestead, heavy gauge rough sawn cedar as exterior and interior linings, exposed timber rafters and beams, timber shingle roofing, selected brushed stone paving, timber interior and exterior flooring, painted timber gates and shutters, a mix of painted timber and metal fenestration, and off the shutter mass walls.

A quality structured supporting landscape works as one with the dwelling, the sunken sheltered pool terrace and shade structures, layered plantings, gates and fences within the immediate curtilage providing an enduring sense of harmony with the further landscape beyond