AFTER years of the hustle and bustle of city life, Memphis Robson-Frentz can finally get back to her country roots and have horses in her life again.
Memphis is in love with her two-bedroom cosy home in "the country" - Matapihi - where she and her "fur family" reign supreme.
"I share my space with my two cats, Oscar and Gypsy, and my cheeky miniature English bull terrier, Kato. I also have my two horses, Jedd and Mr D, in the paddock next door."
That was the aim - to get back to country living after years of the city and have enough room for horses.
"This place embraces me when I come home. When I walk in the door, I feel totally at peace here. After years of sharing previous homes with lots of other people, this is my haven and my sanctuary.
"The wildlife and other animals here are a constant source of entertainment. The local neighbourhood has a small-town vibe reminiscent of old-school New Zealand country life. People know people out here. It's a hidden secret."
Memphis is not lonely though, her good friend Barb lives in the self-contained flat below and so she has a "cuppa-tea buddy" close by when the urge to socialise strikes.
The property is spacious with gardens - which Memphis is still sorting out - and grounds for her horses. Memphis was attracted to its privacy. It has a pool too.
Her favourite place is the lounge and deck area as "the view is fantastic and it is sunny and inviting.
"I have an old art deco single bed in the lounge which is so nice to curl up on and fall asleep in the sun on. I often find my cats curled up next to me when I wake up after an afternoon nap.
"I read, relax, sleep and rest a lot. I have had years of chronic health issues which have taught me to try and take a lot more time-out to rest and relax."
Her favourite item inside the house is a bookcase which is full of memorabilia and pieces she has collected over the years.
"Some items are from my childhood. Most of them have stories attached to them. I also love the artwork on the walls. A lot of pieces are done by friends or local artists and are sentimental for various reasons."
Memphis wouldn't change much about the house but is pondering painting the walls in soft colours at some stage.
"As an artist, I usually create a bold and colourful interior and I am used to having loads of colour around me. This place is a huge change for me to have a monochromatic colour scheme. Part of me enjoys the restfulness of the neutral palette. Part of me wants to change it. I will wait and see when the impulse takes me to paint.
"I'm currently setting up my art studio in the shed and plan on being a lot more creative next year. Watch this space."