For over 20 years, our clients cherished their site on the shores of Lake Okareka - but the original home no longer reflected their lifestyle or dreams. It was clear that the house, tired and in serious need of extensive work, required complete demolition. What emerged from this decision was not just a new home, but a reinvention of their connection to the land they loved.

The design was inspired by their vision of Cape Cod living - steep rooflines, shingle roofs, copper accents, and Hampton-style interiors - infused with a modern sensibility to future-proof the home for years to come. Every detail was carefully considered to create a relaxed yet sumptuous sanctuary that would honour the site and stand as a legacy for generations.

This Cape Cod-style residence spans an unexpected 368sqm, thoughtfully planned to capture the lake’s tranquillity. A generous open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area flows seamlessly onto expansive decks, encouraging effortless indoor-outdoor living. Large picture windows, framed in classic off-white timber joinery, draw in breathtaking lake views at every turn.

The home’s design anticipates the future: provision for an elevator, spacious bedrooms for grandchildren and extended family, and a parents’ retreat upstairs featuring a private living area and an envious walk-in wardrobe with a makeup vanity. The restrained palette of black and white throughout allows architectural details and luxurious furnishings to shine.

Culinary chaos is tamed in the kitchen, equipped with sleek appliances, striking Trendstone Cala Rio Oro benchtops, and a walk-in butler’s pantry with adjoining laundry. Entertaining is effortless, with direct access to the outdoors and ample space for hosting family and friends. The garage is equally thoughtful - hidden storage, a small workbench for the home handyman, all elevated by striking blonde ply and batten detailing.

Every element of this home reflects its owners’ love for the site, the lifestyle they envisioned, and a desire to create a timeless family sanctuary. From the moment they decided to start anew, the project has been about more than construction - it’s been about capturing the essence of the lake, their memories, and the life they wanted to create for generations to come.