Unique Country Estate
Escaping the city for the country has never been more enticing than with this spectacular lodge-style home immersed in a riverfront haven just a short drive from Otaki township.
The sumptuous sanctuary, at 91 Parenga Rd, Hautere, blends rustic splendour and sophisticated living in a private 1.5450-hectare oasis overlooking the ancient Otaki Gorge where it flows into the trout-rich Otaki River.
“This is a unique natural retreat that gives new meaning to work-life balance,” agent Della Randall says.
“Whether you want to entertain in grand style or connect with nature like never before, you couldn’t showcase the great outdoors better than this.”
The versatility of the property is as vast as its picturesque setting, with native birds and sublimely landscaped grounds with rolling lawn, fruit trees and ponds.
There is also a fully-fenced paddock with two troughs for animals.
The centrepiece is the 493-square metre architecturally designed four-bedroom, three-bathroom executive family home that was built 24 years ago.
But there’s also a colossal, versatile 180 square metre barn that combines recreation, workshop, studio or office space and a bathroom with parking for everything from classic cars to a motorhome or boat.
It can fit four vehicles on the lower level while the macrocarpa-clad house includes its own internal triple-garage.
It was specified for sustainability, complete with double-glazing, solar power and passive heating (there’s also a greenhouse next to a fruit garden).
The kitchen was updated in 2021 and is open-plan with the family and dining room.
The formal dining hall and lounge are separate. The former has a double-height stud, 5m-high floor-to-ceiling glazing and riverstone feature walls (with portals) that act as a heat sink; the latter has a riverstone fireplace.
There’s also a TV room attached to the lounge with a heat pump.
Indoor-outdoor flow to a wraparound terrace with zoned underfloor heating also distinguish the lower level, which includes a separate toilet and workshop off the garage.
Upstairs, two of the large double-bedrooms have ensuites, all the bedrooms open to balconies with lovely leafy views, there’s an office with fast Internet on the landing, and the bathroom has a bath, shower, vanity and toilet.
“It’s no wonder the owners fell in love with this home as soon as they saw it,” Randall says.
“They’ve absolutely loved living here — and if they could pick up the house and take it with them, they would.”
She points out it’s one of only seven properties to enjoy such a privileged Otaki
Gorge aspect.
“You could easily work from home here and with Wellington City now being little more than an hour’s drive away because of Transmission Gully and the new expressway, more professionals are choosing to base themselves in Hautere or Otaki to capitalise on a lifestyle that couldn’t be more relaxing or in harmony with nature.”