Next stop Rakiura Stewart Island. After that, it’s Antarctica. This house, shaped like the bow of a boat, points south as if it’s about to launch from sand dunes into Foveaux Strait. As a result, the owners enjoy 180-degree views of the big blue, including the island, from inside and from the wraparound deck with glass balustrades. Given the latitude and icy winds, the good ship Riverton has full-width, full-height thermally broken glazing and wool insulation between floors and in walls. It is also clad in hardy Abodo shiplap.

In this remarkable renovation, the original seaward part of the house was carefully taken apart and elements saved for use in the rebuild. Then the bow was meticulously constructed to include a new dining-living space and a main bedroom with ensuite and walk-in closet. On this level, the kitchen was also revamped and an ensuite added to one of the three existing bedrooms. Evidence of craftsmanship abounds. Downstairs, there’s a garage with storage and plenty of space for table tennis tournaments. Given the house is set in sand, the garage required serious engineering – 3.5m of excavation, piling and retaining – while the owners were living in it. To future-proof the 285sqm property, the staircase was designed so a stair-lift could be added, and a dumbwaiter installed between the garage and kitchen. This is true southern comfort, Kiwi style.