With its peaceful location that enjoys spectacular views across Lake Taupo, this home is both a place for its owners to relax and an Airbnb that offers city-dwellers a welcome escape.
The location is extraordinary. Tell us how you found the site for your home.
Originally, I was looking in the South Island for an investment place. I looked at Kinloch, Wanaka, and Queenstown and almost bought at Jack’s Point. Then we came across this. We just looked at it and went ‘Oh, well… the two acres, and a good view of the lake… okay, we’ll buy this!’ Luckily, we were able to get the site for a good price. And then it was just a case of sitting on it until we found someone to build what we wanted.
And that’s when you got in touch with Design Builders.
Yes. We knew what we wanted to make the most of the section. To me, that meant that we didn’t want an ‘off the shelf’ plan. We wanted something original that was built for the site. We knew about Design Builders Taupo, and so we talked to them. They took us through their process, and it was clear that they could deliver what we wanted. That’s really what sold it to us. We knew they could do the job, and they gave us confidence.
Can you tell us what your brief was to the Design Builders team?
We told Design Builders that we wanted something cool with a small footprint, but apart from that the brief was very open. We said, ‘Look, this is a blank canvas. What do you think would work well?’ They came back with a beautiful design. We had to make a few changes to the specs and get it to work within the budget. But, basically, my thinking was ‘This is what you guys do. Design Builders “build a home around you”.’
Once the design was finalised, it was time to build. Did you enjoy the process?
At the time, I was working overseas a month on, a month off. So, I would go away for 28 days and then come back home for 28 days. So, when the build was happening, I wasn’t around for much of it. However, we had great builders, and their attention to detail was great. I trusted in the system. That was key. I left it up to them to get on with it! They obviously knew exactly what they were doing, and I didn’t need to worry about anything.
Do you have a favourite part of the house?
Yes. I love the living area looking out to the lake. To me that is the ‘cool’ area because of the view. When it’s a really nice day, you’re looking out to the plants and you’re looking straight to the ranges and the lake. And it’s just a beautiful outlook.
You also rent it out as an Airbnb.
That’s right. During the lockdowns, we were here, and it’s a great place to stay. A beautiful view and baking lockdown bread! I love it that other people can get to experience this as well. It’s like going back to a time when we could enjoy ourselves, just enjoy the moment. People are forced to be busy all the time, but here they can reconnect and enjoy life. We get amazing reviews. People who come from the city enjoy those times with their family. Those reviews speak for themselves.
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