Knight's $5.5m Waiheke hideaway

Designed by Sumich Chaplin, the 'Barn House' has recycled beams from old railway bridges which are left exposed in the living room.

It took just 30 minutes for millionaire Sir Noel Robinson to make up his mind about his new $5.5 million Waiheke Island holiday home.

Despite having only two bedrooms, the waterfront property was the most expensive sold on Waiheke last year.

Known as the "Barn House", the stone and weatherboard home is on 2ha in the gated Matiatia Estate.

It was designed by Sumich Chaplin, the firm behind New Zealand's most expensive residential home, the $39 million Hotchin house. It is also designing a home for Sir Russell Coutts.

"If Ralph Lauren lived in New Zealand, he would live at this house," said real estate agent Graham Wall.

It has two bathrooms and uses recycled beams from old railway bridges which are left exposed in the living room.

Mr Wall said the new owner was "a man who knew what he wanted" and saw the property as a home in which he could relax with his family.

Public records show Sir Noel and his wife, Lady Susan, bought the home in August.

He is a co-owner of Kapiti Coast Airport and formerly owned appliance maker Robinson Industries.

Sir Noel also has homes in Kohimarama, Ellerslie, Mt Wellington and Lake Tarawera.

The Barn House

Delamore Rd, Matiatia Bay, Waiheke Island

• Sold: $5.5 million
• CV: $3.1 million
• 2 bed, 2 bath
• 2ha section, 469m2 floor