Renowned for art, music and gardens - Tiromoana is on the market

FOR SALE: Tiromoana in Winifred Street at Wainui has been put on the market. It boasts spectacular views of the ocean. Picture supplied

Tairāwhiti arts patron Professor Jack Richards has put his Gisborne summer home up for sale.

Named Tiromoana (house over water), it boasts stunning views over the Pacific Ocean from an elevated 1.8-hectare site in Winifred Street, Okitu.

“Echoes of renowned US architect Frank Lloyd Wright have been infused with the Balinese style pavilions to create unrivalled living spaces, along with three bedrooms and two bathrooms,” a Bayleys spokeswoman said.

“The vendors have been passionate supporters and philanthropists of New Zealand art and culture for many years and consequently have curated a remarkable collection of large sculptures that are showcased throughout the garden.

“As well as including established New Zealand artists of renown, they have supported emerging artists at the local contemporary Māori art school, Toihoukura.

“Pou, made by the students from Toihoukura, are placed throughout the gardens and acknowledge the association between the people and the land.

“Art has influenced the main house as well, with a gallery space and the dimensions of the living area allowing for small recitals and concerts to take place.

“It’s not unheard of for international musicians to entertain guests at Tiromoana.

“A botanical masterpiece has been crafted over 30 years in consultation with local landscapers and has resulted in microclimates that belie the coastal location.”

The property is being offered to the market for the first time since Professor Richards and his Korean partner, Won Gyu, decided to establish a summer base here in 1994.

“When my partner Won Gyu Moon and I were living in Hong Kong we wanted to have a place in New Zealand that would provide a refuge from urban life during occasional visits to New Zealand,” Professor Richards said.

“Tiromoana has continued to provide exactly that for many years. However, we and my sister and her husband in the neighbouring property are now at a time in our lives when we have other priorities.

“This prompted our joint decision to sell our properties, enabling others to enjoy what we have achieved through reforesting the hillside and developing the extensive garden and walkways.

“Due to our lifestyles and my international academic career we have never been able to spend more than a few months a year at Tiromoana. Without a Gisborne base we expect to spend more time at our primary New Zealand residence in Wellington and at our residences in South Korea.

“Developing the property to what it is today has been a substantial commitment — much of the effort involved provided by my sister Gillian and her husband Colin.

“The garden is now nationally recognised for what we have achieved and visited throughout the year by garden lovers.

“The house itself is a delight to live in, blending well to the site and providing a venue for many wonderful social and cultural events.

“We shall certainly take away fond memories of these occasions but we look forward to seeing how the new owners give it a life of its own.”

Sale is by tender which closes on May 10 (unless sold prior).

Born in Gisborne, Professor Richards sponsored many local arts activities, including the annual concert series held in the Tairāwhiti Museum, Gisborne International Music Competition and a series of house concerts at Tiromoana, which finished last year.

The Jack C Richards Gallery at the museum still holds his name but is closed after he withdrew permission for his own art collection to be displayed last year.