New Zealand's film industry gave Auckland's West Coast beaches a huge boost in the 90s, featuring in films such as The Piano, and the Xena and Hercules TV series. Aptly, some stylish film folks have made the rugged and scenic Piha their 'burb; sleek designer pads sit comfortably beside typical Kiwi baches, places that have been owned by generations of families, and added to over the years with a hotchpotch of additions.
When freelance visual effects compositor Mike Robinson and stylist/set designer Carolin Manz bought their place, tucked in bush high on the hill, the hard work had been done. It was an original bach (Mike guesses it was built in the 50s or 60s), but already had a deck, decent kitchen and some of the boring stuff like insulation done. Which meant he and Carolin could do the interesting stuff. And they immediately spotted the location's potential.
"We'd lived in Grey Lynn, then Titirangi. We came out here and realised that for that extra 15 minutes of driving it was so worth it. It's so peaceful and relaxed. We sit in the spa and see the beach and watch the sun go down," he says.
The couple didn't want to "urbanise" the sweet old bach, but Carolin applied her professional stylist's eye to the interiors, which included updating the flooring with sustainable bamboo. Rather than "Grey Lynn-ise" the vintage bones of the place, the couple have opted for a relaxed beachy vibe with dark stained floors and plenty of white paint to complement their collection of mid-century furniture. The old bathroom is now a stylish white wet room, with a door opening to a second, outdoor, shower.
