A summer place with character
A waterfall has been created to run from the garage to the top of the cliff-face.
‘‘Everything [in the house] is bespoke because it’s not a standard wooden house. Everything has been engineered to fit in the space,’’ Middleton explained.
The Keep, Wellington Accommodation type: Guests: Bedrooms: Bathrooms: Cost per night:
Castle;
1;
1.5; $200 weekdays, $230 Fridays or Saturdays
Opening its doors to guests since 2000, The Keep, which straddles three levels, features a trapdoor offering a rooftop picnic space overlooking Houghton Bay.
Initially, the castle-like property was built to cater for visitor overflow from owner Bruce Stockell’s other accommodation offering, The Lighthouse in neighbouring Island Bay.
‘‘I had it designed, a man put the foundation in and the pre-cast walls before I engaged a stonemason and my son helped to put the stones up. Then I did all the interior with my own macrocarpa timber,’’ Stockell said.
Although it isn’t pretty, the finished product is ‘‘very comforting, cosy, warm and natural’’. An ensuite and spa bath are also available.
‘‘The view is spectacular’’, Stockell said.
‘‘You can sit there watching a storm or sun and it’s beautiful.’’ 2;