Capture the castle

By KAREN GOA

If I can't get married here, I don't want to get married at all," declared the bride-to-be on her first glimpse of the Castle Matakana. It's that kind of place - to see it is to want it.

Set in 6ha of native bush, vineyard and pasture holding a small gang of gentle Galloway cattle and Suffolk sheep, the Castle Matakana's wide white curves and two circular towers seduce at first sight.

The Sutherlands, Ross (Ras) and Val, who is trained in graphic design, bought the unfinished building in 1996 from an American designer who favoured curves and circles over the traditional squares.

They spent the next several years fitting out the house, including the three guest rooms and the circular guest lounge, all of which open to restful, reviving seaviews of Kawau Bay.

We climb a crescent-shaped staircase to our lodgings - the Tower Suite - and enter a black and white fantasyland. Classic bed linens are matched to black sofas and tables set against pure white curved walls.

Works by New Zealand artists, including the Sutherlands' eldest daughter, Hannah, enliven the space. The superking-sized bed, positioned centre stage, takes full advantage of the 180-degree view to distant islands.

In an impressive architectural feat, the ensuite wraps along the semicircular back wall. It features two vanities for those who don't like to share, a double-headed shower for those who do, a separate toilet and a walk-in wardrobe with tea-making facilities.

Glass blocks and venetian blinds preserve privacy while flooding the room with light.

A giant chess set on the celebrity-sized outdoor patio continues the black and white theme.

The round, brushed-steel vanity mirrors and starry, silver-backed curtains are a nod to the previous owner, who designed Hollywood film sets. As well as the generous-sized shampoos and soaps, there are Turkish cotton robes, extra sets of toothbrushes and toothpaste, shavers and a sewing box.

During our stay this attention to detail becomes a hallmark of our hosts, who anticipate our desires, including those we didn't know we had.

While we relax on deep black leather sofas in front of a log fire in the guest lounge, cuppas and Val's spicy apple cake appear at tea time, followed in the evening by complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a glass of the couple's vintage, a cab sav/merlot/syrah/malbec blend. When I muse about slogging up a slippery hill to take some photos, out comes a set of gumboots.

Dinner, and the next day's breakfast of fresh fruit and blueberry French toast, are gastronomic works of art and a tribute to Val's experience in the catering business, with able help from Ras as wine and dining waiter.

The couple is passionate about fine wine and food, particularly wine grown in the Matakana Coast Wine Country stretching north of Auckland from Puhoi to Pakiri.

The Castle Matakana is popular with Aucklanders fleeing to the countryside, as well as with overseas visitors and couples wanting to celebrate a special occasion.

What about that balky bride? Yes, she got her wish, and her Castle wedding.

Where to find it

The Castle Matakana, 378 Whitmore Rd, Matakana; ph 09 422 9288; fax 09 422 9289; email mail@the-castle.co.nz

What it costs

Prices are for double/twin share room a night and a full breakfast, hors d'oeuvres and a glass of wine. Tower Suite $342; Garden Room $297; Writing Room $270

Wheelchair access

No.

Children

Under-12s are welcome if all guest rooms are booked by a group.

Smoking

Outside on the many terraces and patios.

What to do

Tour six different vineyards on the Matakana Wine Trail, take a glass-bottomed boat to see the fish at Goat Island Marine Reserve, ride the ferry from Sandspit to Kawau Island and Mansion House, walk along the beach at Tawharanui Regional Park, visit Morris&James Pottery and Tileworks. For details see www.matakanacoast.com

Where to eat

Dine in from $67.50 per person. Premises are licensed and BYO wine (corkage charge applies)

or try: the Rusty Pelican 1001 Matakana Rd, ph (09) 422 9122

Leigh Sawmill 142 Pakiri Rd, Leigh, ph (09) 422 6109

Ascension Vineyard Cafe and Restaurant 480 Matakana Rd,
Matakana ph (09) 422 9601

* Karen Goa was hosted by the Castle Matakana