Longing for the Land of the Long White Cloud ... again
Thu, 30 Jun 2011
Is there a land more beautiful than my own Australia? Yes I believe there is. I think at last I have to admit that New Zealand is just a little more stunning. Just a little more. This slice of perfection is the Alan Pye Cottage, part of the iconic Huka Lodge at Huka Falls, Taupo, New Zealand. Eclectic luxury created by interior designer Virginia Fisher and Christian Anderson and Sumich Chaplin Architects (on whose site I found these pictures). Words fail me. Stunning landscape matched by sophisticated interiors drawing influence from the English Arts & Crafts movement. A powerful colour palette references the hypnotic turquoise green waters of the Waikato River. So many Kiwis cross the sea to Australia. I think we Aussies should be slipping quietly over to New Zealand. Paradise!
Reader Comments (19)
Virginia Fisher has to be the most talented designer ever! Everything she touches (Wharekauhau, Huka Lodge, Eichardts Hotel, Kauri Cliffs) is absolutely stunning.
WOW WEE!!!!!!!
This is absolutely extraordinary. The colour scheme is musical- the greens, blues and tans work harmoniously throughout the home without being boring or repetitive. Their is symmetry without rigidity, each component is lovely. Thank you for sharing.
Oh la la. Absolutely stunning. I love the choice of colours, especially this kind of "bleu-vert sarcelle" on the walls, with the repetition on the gorgeous objects. The contrasts dark-light on walls and ceilings. Very very inspiring. Thank you for finding and sharing this beautiful spaces.
New Zealand architecture, landscape and design is beyond beautiful. My own house renovation and extension has been inspired by what I have seen when visiting Auckland and the Bay of Isalnds.
The Huka Lodge at Taupo is elegant and I admire the refined integration of wood, stone, textiles, ceramics and cane. The kitchen is my favourite room though as there is a bit too much symmetry and not enough rustic in the rest of the house for me.
Stunning!! such gorgeous interiors..and the location is really out of this world..I have only visited NZ once( well over a decade go) ..i still remember the natural beauty of the place..beyond compare..thanks for sharing..xx meenal
Holy cow - this is gorgeous! Love that white white white kitchen! Oh - and the views - obviously!
I really like the timber framed "barn house" on the architect's website! I hope you share that one someday... so simple looking yet masterful.
i'd like to say, yes please! (except for the wall to wall carpeting in some rooms - what's up with that?)
no, say it isn't so. maybe just better dressed sometimes?
I don't like the kitchen at all and the peach room is OK, but the main room withe the darker blue walls and amazing windows/doors is great!
I've never been to New Zealand (or, indeed, out of Europe!) but I'd love to go - I've heard so many great things about the countryside and the scenery there. And even more tempted to go if their architecture and interior design is as amazing as that!
Claire x
Wow!
Love the colours - they capture the beauty of the mighty Waikato (flowing water) perfectly. Wish I could afford to stay there. With temperatures frequently going sub zero on the volcanic plateau I think a little wall to wall carpeting in the bedroom is perfectly in order :)
oh my gosh! What a dream home! It is absolutely stunningly perfect in every way! How lucky are those owners!?!?!?!
Outside there's that added lushness. Crave.
Inside there's that added element - not sure what it is. A softening of a certain type of masculinity, maybe.
Whatever, it floateth my boateth.
so stunningly beautiful!! I couldn't go past that gorgeous dark wall colour in the great room. I emailed their reservations team and within the hour they came back to me with the colour - Resene Espirit, Satin finish (available in Aust. & NZ). Talk about outstanding service!! I will be using this on our bunglow renovation/extension next year. In the meantime i will be saving my pennies to stay!
WHAT IS THERE NOT TO LIKE, THIS IS BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED TO PERFECTION BUT NOT STUFFY. I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE HER AND THE OUTDOOR ROOM, YUM! A LITTLE DARK WITH ALL THE LIGHT!
IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE DARK BLUE PEACOCK COLORED ROOMS, I'M GETTING READY TO PAINT MASTER BR ACCENT WALLS AND CABINETS IN MASTER BATH THIS COLOR WITH GLASS KNOBS.
LOVE IT!....................................
I absolutely love everything about this home. The exterior, the interior. The color palette, the furniture. This is a dream home. I wouldn't touch a thing. Thank you for sharing. Very inspiring!