Having built a home in surfing mecca Raglan, Rachel and Aaron Bidois had definite ideas of the design of their next home on a larger block of land. But first they had to find the land.
"After building our last house in a new subdivision, we were on the lookout for land every day and this popped up and it was perfect," says Rachel.
They bought the 3.8ha north-facing block overlooking Raglan and the ocean three years ago.
"The views are breathtaking," she says. "Everyone says it's like an Australian setting with the eucalyptus gum trees behind, and it is peaceful."
Rachel and Aaron chose to work with Hamilton-based Kris Wilson, of Design House, who did their previous home. "He gets our style. And we love the big black look," says Rachel. Cladding and roof are Colorsteel.
"Aaron was into the 70s look so that's why we have the poles on the deck and the sunken lounge. And he was inspired by apartments in London, by those big windows you push up and down," she says.
"We decided to use the lay of the land. We didn't want to build on poles, so we used the void under our master bedroom to put the boys' rooms down there."
Local firm Kre8ive Construction did the build, and Aaron, Rachel and their two sons and daughter, now aged 12, 7 and 6 moved in, in January last year.
The home is predominantly single level, except for the area under the master bedroom, where the boys' two bedrooms are.
2B Rakaunui Street, Raglan. Photo / Supplied
The living area is in the central part of the home, including the cosy step-down lounge, wood burner and access to the deck. To the left of the breezeway is a self-contained flat beside the garage.
Rachel has based the decor on the colours of a large peacock artwork that takes pride of place in the living area.
Walls are Resene Wan, ceilings are Black White. In the kitchen the striking blue penny tiles underneath the breakfast bar continue the colour theme. One bathroom and stairway have a warm turmeric-tone Hacienda, and there's a black toilet.
Flooring is Fijian kauri, carpet and exposed aggregate polished concrete. Windows are large, with lots of louvres for breezes.
2B Rakaunui Street, Raglan. Photo / Supplied
"Every room and every window has a beautiful view," says Rachel. "In my bathroom I wanted to have the bath looking out over the macadamia orchard (planted by earlier owners), the sunset and Mt Kariori."
Rachel says Raglan attracts a youthful population — young entrepreneurs, families, professionals who love surfing. Budding surfers from around the country come to go to Raglan's surfing academy.
It is also a supportive community and Rachel says that is what brought her back to Raglan from Hamilton where she was running a cafe.
"We lived out here before we had kids. And when my daughter was born with special needs, I wanted to move back to this village community where everyone knew her."
2B Rakaunui Street, Raglan. Photo / Supplied
Rachel and Aaron have two boys as guests in the self-contained flat. "They go to the surfing academy," she says. "They have school half the day and they surf the other half.
They can see the Raglan bar from here and they walk to school."
Their property also has a skateboard half-pipe and a motocross track. "Every weekend a group of kids come over. That is what we wanted for our sons," says Rachel.
But now Rachel and Aaron are selling because of changing circumstances. "It is an amazing place to live," she says.
"The views, privacy and peace and 10 minutes' walk into town, you can't get better."
