If this house were a book, it would be a bestseller — with a tremendous twist. Clean lines and strong forms clad in schist and dark metal give the 417sqm home its modern, no-nonsense edge in the best way possible. Then, the curve ball: an arc of vertical timber that almost cocoons a courtyard. The wall, which graduates in height, also appears to pierce the house, and that’s not too far from the truth. The arc continues indoors to provide a curved two-level feature wall that not only draws the eye, but also accommodates the staircase. Wind your way up to the first floor to find three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

On the ground floor, family central is the L-shaped open-plan space with a kitchen in natural moody tones, a scullery and a panelled timber ceiling that extends into dining and living areas. Floor-to-almost-ceiling glazing welcomes in natural light, warmth and lake views, and wide sliders open to hardwood decks, including the sheltered nook behind the curved exterior wall. For cosy nights in, there’s a separate media room. Also on this floor: the main bedroom with dressing room and ensuite, an office, laundry, powder room and garaging for four vehicles. The home is also equipped for stifling Central Otago summers and frigid winters with the fireplace and heat pumps. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but with this property the exterior is a fitting introduction to the delights within.