Drawing inspiration from the original coastal cribs found on Banks Peninsula, horizontal rusticated cedar weatherboard with vertical display battens have been used to clad this Takamatua Bay house. Mitred corners indicate the level of craftsmanship involved. One-of-a-kind, rustic 300-year-old oak beams, sourced from France, are a unique focal point of the home. More than just decoration, the beams are a large part of the structural integrity, with all roof structures supported by them. Soffits are cedar or grooved ply with exposed-steel rafters sandwiched in timber to match those of the interior.

Grooved plywood also lines the walls throughout the house. At the heart of the home, luxurious textured rafters with a raked ceiling, a grand fireplace with bluestone hearth in the living room, oak flooring and built-in shelving tie the different spaces together. And those French oak beams are also a significant feature inside. Every room keeps within the coastal aesthetic and exudes luxury lodge vibes. The warm, earthy tones of tiling, benchtops and splashbacks, and blue-grey and dark timber cabinetry, come together beautifully. Morning and afternoon terraces, and a swimming pool, bring life outside. A separate guest wing and nautical-themed bunk room allow an overflow of guests to enjoy a very comfortable beachside break.