Relocating to Northland gave this couple so much more than just new scenery to enjoy.

A move from Wellington to the Bay of Islands gave this couple so much more than just a change of scenery

It takes courage to transform a vision into reality. Leaving behind the known to live somewhere new can be a daunting and stressful process but with their move to the Bay of Islands in 2015, Wellingtonians Cassandra Gaisford and Laurie Wills were simply following their hearts. Says Cassandra: “We love Wellington, but the weather and the noise of living in the suburbs was getting us down. We drew up a manifestation list, wrote down all the things we wanted in a new move, and pasted it on the fridge. Along with excellent weather and peace and quiet, we wanted to be surrounded by beauty and nature… and no more than 10 minutes away from a good coffee!”

Inspired by a chance meeting with the then owner of their new home, the opportunity to live on a 4ha lifestyle property in the Bay of Islands was impossible to resist. “It was love at first glimpse. Here was a house, a studio, a garden where we could live and work in sunshine, open air and space,” says Cassandra, who paints and writes.

The original house was an architecturally designed, curvaceous gem but the interiors were tired. They bought the property without seeing inside the house

and lived in it for three years before embarking on major renovations.

“We kept the bones of the original design but streamlined it and introduced a Japanese-meets-Kiwi-bach modernist aesthetic. Low maintenance, beauty, and harmony with the environment were the priorities,” says Cassandra.

Choosing a more pared-back look for the house, say the couple, reflected the new lifestyle they were embracing. “Leonardo da Vinci summed it up perfectly when he said, ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’,” says Laurie.

Out went the clashing paint colours and in came textured Italian wallpaper which shimmers and catches the light. Cornices were stripped out and the flooring was unified by introducing ceramic tiles alongside the original concrete floors, which they polished to a high shine.

“The original house was very dark, including tinted brown windows and heavy blue velvet drapes and carpet. We got rid of the lot. Our goal was to embrace the

light so we could truly flourish. It’s why we moved here,” says Cassandra.

They retained the scale of the large original lounge but rejected advice to go completely open plan in favour of keeping the kitchen and dining room separate, and creating an outdoor room instead.

Another decision they happily made was to unify and re-contour the garden to make more of the views of the coastline and sea. Says Laurie: “We were fortunate to come across some true professionals. Watching Ces Goldsack, who has worked at Kauri Cliffs golf course, manoeuvre his T-Rex machine like a Sumi-e master as he contoured the lawn was memorable. It’s a real masterpiece, especially when we compare the original.”

The plantings in the front and at the side of the house bridge the gap between art and horticulture. Local landscaper Jonathan Fulton and his crew did some heavy lifting. The 30-year-old Pitt Island nikaus needed a crane and four men to position into place. “The nikaus are like towering organic sculptures. They shed their skin and are great reminders of the need to let go, rejuvenate and refresh. It’s really beautiful watching the tūī hanging upside down gathering insects,” says Cassandra.

The massive rocks, wide decking planks and new box seats that wrap around the nikaus are sculptural and great for entertaining. At night Cassandra and

‘It’s a vibrant, fun place to live for those who yearn for less stress’

Laurie sit outside with the lighting on. “What we love about the house is the way it integrates into the landscape and embraces the moon and sun. Every room has panoramic windows and either views of the sea, islands or native bush. We love that we can never ever be built out. It was important to us both that we future-proofed our new-found and hard-won paradise.”

Discovering that well-known sculptor Chris Booth lived 10 minutes away was also a bonus. Laurie commissioned a piece for Cassandra’s 50th birthday which Chris aptly named Viewfinder.

“There’s a wonderful vibe up here in the Bay of Islands. People are friendly and super relaxed, and more and more interesting and creative people are moving up here. It’s a vibrant, fun place to live for those who yearn for more love and less stress.

“We’ve met ex-advertising executives, well-known photographers, brewing moguls, chefs, artists and more. When they speak of their friends’ reactions to their move away from the big city, many of them share a similar experience – people think you’re mad, that you’re settled, that it’s all downhill from here.”

In fact, it’s the opposite, says Cassandra. “Moving up north has created a shift from surviving to thriving… and there’s great coffee!” She’s also gearing up for her next adventure, opening a gallery called Art@Rangitane to showcase Northland artists.

THESE PAGES At Laurie Wills and Cassandra Gaisford’s Kerikeri property sculptural 30-year-old Pitt Island nikau palms are encircled by decks made from garapa timber and box seating; the view is down the Kerikeri Inlet and the couple also love the space at night, with starry skies overhead: “We love nature’s dazzling light show,” says Laurie.

THIS PAGE The Nuez chairs by Patricia Urquiola in the foreground are made of recycled plastic and were imported from Spain; the Heracleum light by Moooi was bought from ECC in Wellington as a leaving present and house-warming gift. OPPOSITE Cassandra and Laurie at their Reverse dining table by Andreu World: “We wanted to minimise the clutter and discord that table and chair legs introduce – this table is perfect,” says Cassandra.

THESE PAGES (clockwise from above) The couple ignored advice to paint over the rimu ceilings and trims: “We love the nod to history and reinforcing a country retreat feel.” The advantage of having an artist in residence, Cassandra, is being able to swap paintings to reflect mood and seasons. John Gaffer of Kerikeri Cabinets made the kitchen and the Caesarstone bench is from Granite Heaven; the architect’s suggestion to create easy access to the scullery was a winner.

(clockwise from left) A vibrant abstract artwork by Cassandra enlivens the guest room. The Sublime stone bath has great sky, sea and garden views. Textured wallpaper from Italy was bought at Resene and used throughout the house; the quilt is from Seneca. This artwork was commissioned for the house from well-known New Zealand artist Piera McArthur and completed on her 90th birthday.

THIS PAGE (from left) A sculpture by Chris Booth exerts a gentle but powerful presence: “I was thrilled when Chris invited me to join him in his studio as it was created. Later he popped a love note we all created into the spine,” says Cassandra. Tending the kitchen garden provides a welcome break from work; it’s one of the couple’s favourite spots. OPPOSITE The couple affectionately call their home The Light House because of the large sliding doors that allow uninterrupted views and maximum light: “Partial skylights in the outdoor room filter sun into the kitchen and dining area without baking us during the day,” says Cassandra.