Our Place: Haven of Inspiration

Artist Jenny Coker lives in one of Tauranga's secret treasures, on the harbour side of Devonport Rd. She is never short of inspiration in this gem of a place.
As told to Kathryn Overall

This place has been my home for 20 years and I still pinch myself in disbelief that I get to live here. I love welcoming people here for the first time.

The front of the house is not at all showy, but when you walk through the front door into the living area you are greeted with this stunning view of the harbour looking out to Welcome Bay and the back of the Papamoa Hills.

My husband, Lynn, bought this home in 1991 _ the year we met _ and we spent many happy years here together until Lynn's health deteriorated and he moved into full-time care. I still bring him home regularly and we enjoy lunches together on the deck.

The view is always changing as the tide and harbour change, and also as the garden changes. My roses have been to die for this year. They put on a good show at a high-tea fundraiser I hosted for Waipuna Hospice before Christmas. My paint brushes are itching to work on a rose series.

The large painting above the couch is called Remember Me. My parents were avid gardeners and one year they couriered me up a cutting of this favourite rose from their own garden. I planted it and painted it, so it has been immortalised twice over.

Our furniture is mostly traditional special family pieces. My favourite piece in this room is our vintage wooden sideboard. It reminds me of the style of the Glasgow architect Charles Mackintosh, a favourite of mine.

I miss Lynn but I am a positive person. It helps to have artistic pursuits that bring joy to my life as well as to other people.