private estate – new zealand
this is one of my favorite house in the world. it was designed by a good friend and architect, noel lane, on a property north of auckland. the estate is almost a peninsula, atop a high hill that overlooks the sea and the rolling green hills of vineyards and sheep below. the owner had initially built the fireplace and chimney – while they planned and saved enough to build the house. I like that notion of enjoying the property you own and having an initial element – as important and significant – as a fireplace hearth as a solemn core to the the rest of the house which later followed. the house feels authentically of new zealand through it’s materials, colors and openness to the surrounding expanses of the property. some highlights include numerous art installations, interactive musical towers, and a full survival course in the woods below with a very long zip line.
some information about brickbay:
“…Brick Bay Farm takes its name from the small bay on the eastern boundary of the property, a pretty beach accessible via Sandspit, fringed by pohutukawas with stunning views out to Kawau Island. We purchased the land in 1986 and have undertaken an extensive tree planting programme, with hundreds of trees, both native and exotic, planted annually. Vineyard plantings commenced in 1995, with 1998 seeing our first vintage. The Sculpture Trail and Glass House were conceived and built from 2004-6, opening in January 2007.” read more…
