There’s indoor-outdoor flow, and then there’s the feeling of being enmeshed in nature. Kōtare Grove, named after the birds and the trees that line Raglan’s inner harbour, falls into the latter category. It’s a sublime 150sqm house, plus 92sqm of decking that takes in views of the estuary and hills, filtered through coastal foliage. The exterior, in vertical timber and dark-coloured steel, is a study in subtlety. An entrance beneath angular roofs invites visitors inside where windows tucked beneath raked ceilings and long external corridors connect to the tranquil outlooks. The central open-plan living pavilion has polished-concrete floors and stacking sliders that link to the decking.

Textural elements, such as timber lining on a feature wall and on the built-in window seat, blend into the coastal environment. What better place to enjoy moments of repose? A flush, hidden door to the bathroom adds to the seamlessness of this expansive living space. Despite its size, Kōtare Grove has just two sleeping spaces — one at either end of the three-pavilion house. Access to the south wing is via an external corridor, a feature which offers a real sense of beachside living. At the north end, a private balcony extends from the main-bedroom ensuite. On it, the owners can enjoy dreamy views of nature’s bounty from the outdoor bath. It’s bliss.