A Luxurious Lakeside Retreat

Published: 14 Apr 2011

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Inspired by nature

Before building their ultimate holiday home here, the owners of this lakeside dwelling had a caravan on the site for 10 years. It's easy to see why they wanted to put down roots: the beautiful view of Lake Taupo and the surrounding mountains is wide and almost uninterrupted from this vantage point. The stunning vista was even used as inspiration for the colours that they chose for the house. "We wanted an organic palette reflecting the mountains and lake," they explain. "When you are out on the lake and look back at the house, it blends completely into the environment, which is exactly what we were aiming for." To enhance the sense of indoor-outdoor flow, Resene Masala was used on the exterior of the house as well as the indoor living areas, while Resene Thorndon Cream and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream were used to brighten spaces like the bathrooms and bedrooms.

The house has the feeling of a luxury lodge, with large living spaces, spectacular views from every room, a built-in barbeque and an outdoor fireplace encased in schist stone. A recurring deer motif on cushions and wallpaper ties in perfectly with the lodge ethos. "The central plateau is nature's playground," say the owners. "There is fishing, hunting, skiing, and all those kinds of things, but it is also a tranquil locality where we can retreat from our busy lives and be at peace."

What was the greatest success? Creating a chill-out atmosphere and making the most of the expansive views.

Which space do you get your greatest satisfaction from, and why? The outdoor landscaping - we created it ourselves, and it completes the natural indoor-outdoor flow. We especially love the large river rocks that we added - we hand-picked them and put them into position ourselves!

Why did you make these colour scheme choices? To blend with the natural surroundings, create less visual clutter and enhance the tranquil feeling.

What is your advice for someone trying to achieve a similar look? If you are wanting to blend with the environment, take the time to study the surroundings and create the palette.

pictures Interior designer: Jenny Harris at Yellowfox http://www.yellowfox.co.nz/ Architectural designer: Richard Furze http://www.richardfurzedesign.co.nz/ Builder: Blackwatch Construction http://www.bwc.net.nz/ Photography by Len Birch

Natural beauty

The owners chose the exterior colours - Resene Masala and Resene Gauntlet paints, and Resene Tamarind, Resene Smokey Ash and Resene Cedar wood stains - to help the house blend into its surroundings.

Lounging around

A driftwood lamp, in the Resene Masala-painted living room, is among the owners' favourite additions to their new holiday home.

Woodland wall

A feature wall of Resene Target Practice wallpaper adds interest and personality to a bedroom.

Room with a view

Even an upstairs bathroom, tiled in neutral colours, offers wide views of the beautiful landscape.

Moonlight on the lake

With a roaring fire going outside, dining by moonlight is possible all year round.

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Resene Thorndon Cream

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Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream

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