Taranaki: Ultimate escape

VICKI HOLDER finds the definition of natural beauty in Taranaki.

Handed the freedom to live anywhere in New Zealand, Ian and Martina Key built an eco-friendly home on a beautiful, unspoilt riverside spot in Taranaki.

Ian had lived in Auckland and been involved in the timber industry for many years. But a change in business direction meant he no longer needed to be based in the city. So he and Martina looked around for somewhere with room to spread out that would give them a less harried lifestyle. Their search led them to a truly magical property, far from any neighbours, on the edge of one of the cleanest rivers in New Zealand. The 2.4 acre horticultural block is peaceful and private, yet an easy commute to all amenities and only an 18-minute drive from New Plymouth.

Here, they can fish for trout almost from the deck. Floods rearranged the river recently and their favourite swimming pool has moved. But that's all part of the excitement of living here, says Ian. "We're in a constant state of flux, which is a neat experience."

Given such a clean, green setting, it was only logical the Keys should seek to design and build a home that would not only minimise the impact on the environment but also be a practical, modern home. They wanted to maximise the extraordinary river and sea views from as many rooms as possible and minimise the use of toxins in construction materials. Having left the city and all the demands it imposes, they also sought to become as self-sufficient as possible.

Ian designed the home himself with a simple layout, where the bedrooms are placed to the rear and a massive, double-height, open-plan living area faces north across a massive deck on the river aspect.

About 98 percent of the timber used for the house came from a renewable exotic (non-native) local resource. All the bearers, joists, framing, rafters, cladding and sarking were produced from Taranaki-grown macrocarpa, which is naturally durable and does not require treatment. While the window reveals are Lawson pine, the flooring, kitchen cabinetry, joinery, skirtings, doors and trims are built using the New Zealand-grown eucalyptus fastigata. Ian had set aside an extremely rare mottled fastigata for a number of years, which he used as a practical and decorative surface in key areas, like the kitchen.

All the timber finishes are either water-based or non-toxic stains.

The external walls are 150mm thick, with 150mm wool insulation to retain heat and provide a solid and quieter living space. Internal walls are also insulated with sound gib, which is used where necessary to maintain a quieter living environment.

The huge, 6m-high glass wall across the front of the house is double glazed to retain heat and eliminate condensation.

The property generates its own power from 16 solar panels on the roof, which feed a huge battery band - providing enough stored power for 10 days. The power then goes through a sine wave inverter, which provides a continuous supply to the house and double garage without damaging sensitive electronic appliances. The solar heating provides hot water supplemented by a wet back that runs off a modern wood stove in the kitchen. An ordinary gas oven and stove are located next to the wood stove for use in summer. Cold water comes from a town supply and a storage tank.

About 100m from state highway 45, the house features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study. Entry is to the rear with two double bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs beyond storage cupboards and a laundry.

A sliding door opens to the main living area - a huge space designed for entertaining, which is warmed in winter by a double-size Jetmaster fire.

At one end of the room, the kitchen looks over a curved granite breakfast bar to the view. Space under the stairs is utilised as a walk-in pantry and neatly houses the Fisher & Paykel fridge and timber drawers.

Bifold glass doors open the room to the deck, giving an easy flow that brings the beauty and the sounds of the river indoors.

Also gaining a view are the master bedroom and office on the mezzanine level, which look over the living area and out through the tall glass windows.

A true escape, this stunning contemporary home has many benefits to be enjoyed by those looking for a healthier, more peaceful, lifestyle plus the opportunity to develop a small horticultural business.

Vital Statistics
ADDRESS: Okato, 2515 State Highway 45, Taranaki.

FEATURES: Eco-friendly, self-sufficient home on horticultural lifestyle property beside Stoney River with mountain and sea views; extensive use of New Zealand-grown exotic timbers; self-generating power; private river beach; three large bedrooms; office; two bathrooms; huge open-plan living with 6m stud; open Jetmaster fire; large double garaging and workshop; central vacuum system.

SIZE: Land area approx 1ha.

TENDER CLOSES: 4pm, March 31.

AGENT: Lisa McLaughlin, Ray White, Remuera. Ph 520 9100 bus; 027 248 0999 mob.