An interior designer's apartment radiates colour and energy, writes Donna McIntyre.

Park-like grounds and a rustic cottage complete this grand estate.

This former harbour master's villa enjoys wide views, writes Robyn Welsh.

A makeover brought out the best in this 1920s home, writes Donna McIntyre.

Sandra Goodwin visits MP Maggie Barry's coastal house and garden.

This home is the gift that keeps on giving.

The architect owner has lavished this property with inviting, extroverted features.

Wide decks and gardens make this an ideal family home.

This downtown bolthole is easy to lock up and leave, says Donna McIntyre.

This meticulously restored villa boasts an unusually large backyard, says Cate Foster.

Fresh fish, olive groves, hammocks, views to die for - Cate Foster finds a great escape.

This 4-year-old property has been an idyllic B&B, finds Donna McIntyre.

This big bungalow is in the right location for a great lifestyle, writes Rebecca Blithe.

A subtle tropical mood merges indoors and outdoors, writes Joanna Smith.

From its tiled courtyard to the spacious kitchen, this home is for sociable living.

Just a little way out in the country is a well-insulated lookout the kids will adore, writes Graham Hepburn.

Just a little way out in the country is a well-insulated lookout the kids will adore.

A subtle tropical mood merges indoors and outdoors.

Enjoy inner-city living with a bush escape on the doorstep, writes Joanna Smith.

This rural escape offers flexible options, finds Sandra Goodwin.

A wrong turn led to the discovery of this grand 19th-century home, which has spent the past decade chocka with kids, writes Bronwyn Sell.

Secluded and serene, this semi-rural property delights on many levels. By Graham Hepburn.

A wrong turn led to the discovery of this grand 19th-century home, which has spent the past decade chocka with kids.

Enjoy inner-city living with a bush escape on the doorstep.

This rural escape offers flexible options.

Secluded and serene, this semi-rural property delights on many levels.

Walls of windows bring Lake Pupuke indoors - well, almost. They are features that make each day here enthralling, writes Sandra Goodwin.

Relax by the water's edge in this 1950s family home, writes Robyn Welsh.