A unique home in coastal Kai Iwi is an enigma linking two worlds.
The two-storey home was originally built on one level at 854 Rapanui Rd by one of the most prolific cattle traders of last century, Eric Hislop. He was well-known for his preference for the Belted Galloway breed of cattle, a relatively rare breed in his day.
Research suggests the home was first built in the late 1950s and then altered in the 1960s to include the upper level and a unique round-shaped living room with a hidden flashing light system.
![The round room gives this rural home in Whanganui's Rapanui Road a unique quality.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/MHQDJZPQPJ3ZUAHU3PBJK7QSTM.jpg?auth=07216fa95dbb233dd7c85927a0344bab05483adf1934b565a5d3581ab3b44e92&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The home and garden surrounds were once part of the much larger Hislop farming estate subdivided off to create an aesthetically-pleasing country living environment.