Through nearly three decades of work, Fearon Hay has shown that the clearest ideas are usually the best – no more so than with Long House, the former home of Tim Hay. Hay and his wife bought the former orchard in the early 2000s, when it was an empty paddock: established trees, rolling country and a gentle fall to native bush and a stream.

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To this, Hay added a long, gabled building running east to west, grounded at one end and projecting out over the slope at the other, with a run of rooms along the north side and a hall along the south. Materials are designed to age: standing-seam copper cladding and roofing, with fine metal shutters to filter the light. Over time, he expanded the place – adding a primary bedroom, ensuite and office, along with an open carport, followed by a pool. (The Hays sold it in 2020.)

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To get to the house, you drive down a long, narrow driveway past established trees, and into a gravel forecourt with established planting: the house gives little away. You enter from the south, and into a hallway that leads past bedrooms to the open-plan living area. There are four bedrooms in all – one of which is currently being used as a media room – and three bathrooms. 

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It’s rational but not cold. There are French oak floors, blackened cedar in the entry, and a kitchen made from brass, stainless-steel and marble. In the living spaces, at the end of the plan, there’s a delightful sense of hovering over the landscape. You’re connected to it, but floating slightly above. 

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After six years of ownership, its current owners are moving on, and it's for sale with Alisa McArthur of Bayleys: it comes complete with 3.035 ha of land, an equestrian ring and stables. Bucolic surroundings, rural living – and a fine piece of contemporary architecture. 

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23 Foster Road

Kumeu

bayleys.co.nz

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