Beachfront holiday home named Bach of the Year
An architecturally designed beachfront getaway on the Kāpiti Coast has been named Bookabach Bach of the Year 2024 for private holiday homes.
Harakeke was a modern four-bedroom holiday home with direct beach access that offered unobstructed views of Waimea Stream Estuary and Kāpiti Island.
Owners Peter Stevens and Michelle Glogau said they get almost 100% positive ratings and guests seem to love it.
The getaway was the top property named in the Bookabach top 10 for 2024.
An unusual aspect of the bach was that they allowed pets. “Which are, after all, part of the family aren't they?” Stevens said.
Guests seemed to love the design and its original art, a mix of professional artists and their daughter’s work, he said.
Harakeke was designed by architect Geoff
Fletcher of GFA and built by Nick Robbers of Haarlem Developments.
Stevens said the couple “booked” themselves in for the weekends when they could slip away to the beach and it was available for guests in between. “That switch flips our brains to ‘relax mode’ – sun, sea and truly wonderful spaces to rest and recharge,” he said.
It was mainly Kiwis booking the property, rather than overseas guests.
Stevens said Waikanae was a great place for a holiday because it had a safe, attractive beach, artists, food options and lots of opportunity for adventures, such as in the Tararuas and on Kāpiti Island. Harakeke’s average rental was $655 per night and it had a 5/5 rating.
Another holiday home in the Wellington region featured in the nationwide top 10 was Britannia Villa, which was relocated from Petone to Greytown.
Owner Kaleb McCartan said they were “super-stoked” and humbled to be chosen in the top 10 this year.