This Queensland-inspired home promises laidback living in the very Kiwi setting of Athenree, Waihi Beach. There’s so much room to relax on the 1300sqm site, from the integrated family hub to the sheltered outdoor patio with a barbecue area and lawns. Plenty of glass lets light flood in and connects inside and out. Blocks and cedar cladding create a gentle textural contrast on the exterior. Designed around a tropical water garden, this Bay of Plenty retreat has nature at its core. The calming outdoor feature can be viewed from multiple rooms, and is well lit for after-dark ambience. The home’s H-shaped layout boasts gabled roof pitches, which allow for an exposed beam feature in the open-plan kitchen-dining-living room. When the home is in full hum and the kitchen is busy, a scullery keeps the interior fresh and clean. Outdoors, there is a sheltered entertaining area, while back inside, the kitchen and dining area boast bamboo flooring and the lounge is made cosy with carpet. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry and extra-roomy garage take residence in a separate wing.