Lakeview Lodge Karapiro

There aren't too many people who would move into a lovely large home with lake views and almost immediately make plans to move into a tent instead... other than Joanne and Jonathan Leigh. Rather than rattling around in a house that felt just slightly too big, they set their sights on a waterside spot on the edge of their Lake Karapiro farm and set about building the smaller abode of their dreams while converting the large home into luxury lodge accommodation.

There is some irony in setting up a luxury lodge whilst sleeping in makeshift tent accommodation – the family's housing solution for the 16-month build duration. While Joanne reflects on their under-the-stars experience as one of the best times in their lives, the high standard of the lodge hints that, maybe, they fell asleep dreaming of high-thread-count linen and large king-sized beds.

Lakeview Lodge is a property of two halves; there's the crisp white Hampton's Lodge, which sleeps 10, and the adjoining Huntington Lodge, with space for 12 people. Both have the ability to convert to smaller ‘bijou' accommodation, and both spaces have all of life's little luxuries on hand – Netflix, a locally sourced breakfast, king-sized beds, WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen and more.

The lodge is located on Lake Farm, a 40ha hub of activity, predominantly used to raises calves. Joanne shares the property with guests, many of whom have never seen cattle up close and are therefore fascinated by Big Red, a friendly cow who has perfected her portrait pose. The farm experience is optional – with sweeping lake views and a deck that sings out for a glass of wine, relaxing is more than acceptable.

2400 Maungatautari Road, Cambridge. (07) 827 9273, lakeviewlodge.co.nz