It’s a rare house that finds the line between luxury and experience. At Mataka Station, MAP Architects achieved just that on a spectacular hillside site, devising a complex of three pods connected by covered verandahs rather than interior hallways. The house steps up the hill through multiple levels, tracking all-day sun and capturing spectacular views.
The house is arranged in a wide U-shape and clad in horizontal cedar weatherboards to accentuate its low, wide form. An open-plan living area along the eastern side looks out to sea, while a sunny covered courtyard with wood-burning fireplace sits to the west. On the ends of the U are bedroom wings – one housing two guest bedrooms and a bathroom, the other housing a primary bedroom, ensuite bathroom and study.
You enter the property from below, winding your way up past the garage, which also contains a rumpus room and bathroom, before ascending the stairs and coming into the house.
The views are spectacular at all times of the day. At first light, the sun rises over Motu Kōkako Hole in the Rock; views stretch across the whole of the Bay of Islands. In the afternoon, attention shifts to the west-facing, covered courtyard with its wood-burning fireplace and serene rural views of the station and Mataka mountain.
Mataka Station is a one-of-a-kind spot, with large landholdings – in this case 22 freehold hectares – leased back to the station, offering the opportunity to experience big-station living without the commitment of running a farm. The property is home to the country’s largest population of kiwi on private land – including two permanently nesting close to the house – and the station features multiple important archaeological sites.
Owners have the right to roam over the whole property, and share boatsheds, a boat ramp and a beach club – not to mention multiple sheltered beaches. This wonderful house, with established landscaping, is now seeking new owners. The chance of a lifetime.
Whale Bay Ridge
Mataka Station
Lot 17, Oihi Road, Kerikeri
futureisles.com
