Peep into homes as tour venues named

FEATURED: An example of a Wairarapa home that will feature in an NZ House and Garden tour in March. PHOTO/JANE USSHER

Stylish homes across Wairarapa have been chosen to represent one of four regions as part of this year's NZ House and Garden tour.

People will be able to visit 11 homes chosen for their polished renovations and beauty on the one-day tour.

Sally Duggan, editor of NZ House and Garden magazine, said that in addition to the quality of the homes, the areas have been chosen for their variety and because they all have a lot going on.

Auckland, Cambridge and Queenstown have also been selected.

Wairarapa, with its rambling historic homes, established gardens and creative atmosphere, fits the bill.

"It has fabulous homes and it's also got a buzz. It's got good cafes, accommodation and nice scenery," said Ms Duggan.

"The region has great renovations. It is also defined by its history, landscape and long settlement story."

Homes in Featherston, Greytown and Martinborough are on the itinerary.

A classically renovated 127-year-old Greytown house features, as does a modern Martinborough house, an apartment and roof garden in Greytown and a rural home created on a $200,000 budget from a utility shed.

The old schoolmaster's house and garden in Martinborough is on the programme as well.

"It has quite a structured, expansive garden, befitting a house which is a century old," says Ms Duggan.

The tours are self-drive and people can take their own time.

Ms Duggan advises visitors not to rush it so that they are open to absorbing the design ideas the homes will give them.

Proceeds from the event will go to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

The tour is on March 20 and tickets cost $65. Information can be found at: http://nzhouseandgarden.co.nz/nz-house-garden-tours-2015/