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‘It’s time for life and laughter to fill the bach again’: Architect’s retreat and boatshed listed 30 years on
This two-level bach at Maraetai Bay in Queen Charlotte Sound was designed by the late architect Jonty Rout.

AI summary
A unique bach in Maraetai Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, designed by the late architect Jonty Rout of Sheppard & Rout, is for sale. This boat-access-only retreat sits on a 62ha plot, offering privacy and stunning views.
The off-grid timber home features:
- Open-plan living with a woodburner
- A large boatshed, fixed jetty, and slipway
- Potential to expand or subdivide
Sold fully furnished by Bayleys Marlborough, it's a rare chance to own an architect’s personal holiday bolthole.
There’s a large boatshed, fixed jetty and slipway - the bach is only accessible by boat.
Flashback: At times, numerous yachts would be moored alongside the boatshed as families came together over the summer.
Eucalyptus flooring, macrocarpa sarking and beams, and unpainted walls give the open-plan living area a natural look that blends in with the native bush surroundings.
Day beds in the living area provide additional sleeping accommodation.
The couple chose the best building platform on the 62ha site to maximise the sea views.
Even the kitchen cabinets and benchtops are timber.
This is one of three bedrooms on the lower level.
A cuppa and a good book on the upper deck (left) - another photo from the family album. At right is the lower deck, which features twig balustrading.
Even the boatshed is a work of fine craftsmanship. There is space to store all the “toys”.
Boating has never been easier.
Escaping the rat race doesn’t get much better than this bach perched amongst the bush
While you can’t see them, there are two tracks leading up to the house - a walking track with steps, and a quad-bike track.
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