Country comfort never looked so good. This wasn’t lost on the House of the Year judges who awarded the sprawling homestead a slew of accolades, including Regional Category Winner and the much-coveted Regional Pink Batts Craftsmanship Award.

The home flows from space to space, and from inside to out, as naturally as the Tukituki River in the foreground. Effortlessly framed views of the languidly flowing waterway are features of this design.

Large eaves, exposed rafters and tongue-and-groove soffits are signatures of the designer, Andy Coltart. They form spaces where the owners can relax outdoors, sheltered from the elements. The loggia fireplace, which is built from local river stones, is an attractive punctuation mark in the scenic panorama.

Band-sawn cedar weatherboards, a gabion basket wall that dominates the south side of the house, and a vintage front door imported from Europe ensure the view from outside is just as attractive. The attention to detail lavished on the interior is also evident. Character features befitting such a grand homestead are everywhere: a contemporary country kitchen, tongue-and-groove walls in muted tones, traditional-style fittings and white internal shutters.

You’ll also find three bedrooms – two that have ensuites with baths – and the main-bedroom suite has a double-sided gas fire. Energy-efficient heating and insulation systems keep things toasty in winter. As country homesteads go, this riverside residence is a real beauty. 

For more on this house go to houseoftheyear.co.nz.