Feature article
A concussion upended her city life. Now she’s rebuilding a forgotten bush bach, and herself
A Dutch expat rebuilding a tiny Waitākere bach says nature helped heal her after a devastating concussion.
AI summary
After a life-changing concussion, Dutch expat Marinella van den Hoven left Amsterdam for a quieter life in New Zealand's Waitākere Ranges. She and her partner are now renovating a forgotten 1940s bach, embracing a hands-on DIY approach to restore its character.
The move was a deliberate choice to find healing in nature. Their goal is to create a "cosy cocoon of joy" with a food garden, prioritizing personal happiness and well-being over resale value.
Marinella and Bronson are doing most of the grunt work themselves. Photo: Marinella van den Hoven
Marinella van den Hoven at home in the Waitakere cottage she is renovating with her partner Bronson Wilson. Photo: Marinella van den Hoven
The cottage is surrounded by garden and native bush. Photo: Marinella van den Hoven
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