The luxury bach made out of clay

Owners Edward and Penny Aitken are too busy to think about retiring – but when they do, they will be able to enjoy one of New Zealand’s best views and a luxury bach which absolutely puts the “eco” in eco-friendly.

The Point, at picturesque Pigeon Bay on Banks Peninsula, last year won the eco-friendly category of the Bookabach Bach of the Year awards. Voting has begun in this year’s awards where voters can register (https://bachoftheyear.co.nz/) and be in to win $10,000 worth of bach getaways*.

The Point came out tops in that category because it is energised by solar power and gas and the walls are about 1m thick and made of rammed earth – 90 tonnes of local clay which is a striking ochre colour, leading the Aitkens to furnish and decorate with ochre firmly in mind.

And it’s also hard to get more “eco” than a short walk to your own private swimming cove.

You get the feeling The Point could have contested other Bookabach Bach of the Year categories as well (like Design and Charm, for example).

It is perched above cliffs overlooking Pigeon Bay and the Warren and Mahoney-designed bach cleverly embraces the Kiwi love of indoor-outdoor living, with full-length glass doors bringing the outside in and letting the inside heat escape.

With concrete and steel among the base materials, they had to make sure the building was earthquake-strengthened, another “environmental”necessity in this part of the world.

Penny Aitken says the couple – sheep, beef and mussel farmers – always had it in mind to build The Point as an eco-friendly house, an opinion reinforced when they discovered the high cost of running electricity to the house.

They built it in 2013 and always had it in mind as their retirement home “but not yet – we still have so much to do”.

That’s good fortune for the small army of guests who hire this jewel every year – and enjoy the two bedrooms (both king size and with sea views), two bathrooms, the spacious lawn and an unusual attraction Penny says is proving increasingly popular: fireplaces.

“We are only about an hour from Christchurch,” she says. “Of course, in Christchurch, open fires are not allowed any more and we have two here – and one outdoor fireplace as well. People love them; we go through a lot of firewood.”

The native bush round the property shelters fantails, rifleman and bellbirds and Aitken says the birdsong in the morning is“beautiful” and the town of Little River is close by, and Akaroa only 20 minutes away.

Most of the guests are Kiwis though more overseas guests seem to be discovering this unique bach. One recently hired it for six months and the Aitkens say it is typically booked out between December and April.

Guests also tend to leave ringing endorsements. One said after their stay: “A beautiful property. Situated in an amazing position on a headland looking out to the mouth of the bay, the property had everything we could wish for - great design, well heated, a fully equipped kitchen, lovely bedrooms with linen provided, and a well kept garden. Great location - an easy walk to the township, but still quiet and private. Some highlights were drinking wine in front of the log fire and eating breakfast outside, with a sea view. Thank you for a wonderful stay!”

Another said: “The Point on Pigeon Bay is a spectacular property and lent itself to a most special retreat. We loved the blending of indoor/outdoor, loved and used both fireplaces, appreciated the super comfortable linens, music and all of the cooking amenities. We understand why this is not possible, but the only thing that would make it better would be more view of the water from the house. At any rate, what a gem..... we only wish we lived 10,000 miles closer!”

*Gold, silver and bronze awards are given in eight categories with a Supreme Winner chosen as Bookabach Bach of the Year from the best of the eight category winners.  To vote -and to see a list of 2018 finalists - go to the campaign website: https://bachoftheyear.co.nz